WIBU? Landlady..

[Kokothecow]

Try & keep this brief. I’m a single mum with 2 under 3. Private rent 2 bed flat, the place is by no means great, very old kitchen/bathroom. The council helped me source it when I was pregnancy with DC2. I’ve done what I can in terms of decorating, up keep etc.

My landlady does not like to spend money, for example I had a pretty bad leak in the kitchen which had been going on when previous tenants were here. By the time it got fixed the cupboard under the sink was water damaged & smelt. Instead of replacing the very old, pretty dirty kitchen unit the landlady replaced the piece of wood at the bottom. Laminate flooring coming up gets sealed & looks crap.

Basically everything is done on the tightest budget & it doesn’t matter what it looks like as long as it functions in her eyes.

I have just seen a flat in my block on rightmove, much newer kitchen & bathroom, more modern,
Clean, for £150 less per month than I am paying.

So my WIBU is, WIBU to send my landlady the link to the property & ask her to consider modernising the place?

She has more than just this property to rent so I don’t think she’s cash strapped & of course I could move but I do like the area & my neighbours.

Feel like I’ve been mugged off totally paying way to much for what it is tbh. WWYD?

I think you should end the tenancy and take the place you've seen on RM.

Can you move to the other flat?

I agree. She’ll not change. Plenty more tenants. Better to move.

She won’t spend the money. Don’t waste your time. Just apply for the other place.

Is it not practical to just move into the other flat - depending on your current lease arrangement ? You may be able to appeal to her better Nature by asking her to modernise where you are now - however judging by what she’s done to date it doesn’t seem likely . Time won’t improve her either .

I’d move.

I agree with PP, is it a possibility to end tenancy and move?

If not there is no harm in advising what the current market is providing for the money. She may lower your rent Instead?
Sadly I doubt she will do much, as I suspect with the housing situation there will ge someone willing/needing it that badly to pay it 😡😡

I'd try to get the other place tbh. If it's in your block it's the same area surely?

If it is practical and affordable for you, then I would move into the other place
Your landlady doesn't sound like she's going to do anything anytime soon.

Literally the physical moving of furniture is the only thing putting me off. So gutted! This place on RM is also on the ground floor & has a garden where as mine has a teeny tiny balcony. I’m so resentful right now!!

The physical moving would be so worth it OP!! A much nicer flat, ground floor, garden all for £150 LESS than youre paying now!

You would be absolutely mad not to go for it.

Why are you resentful.?Move if you want. If the only thing stopping you moving is that you can't be arsed then yabu to feel resentful!

I'd move. Physically moving the furniture is one day (maybe even less) of hassle, to live in a nicer and cheaper place indefinitely. it's a no-brainer to me.

Can you find someone to help you move, especially as it's in the same block? There's no way your landlady is going to modernise your flat; it's just about making money to her.

I would apply for the other flat as soon as! The pain of moving will be more than worth it.

Sorry, I am in contract for 12 months only 4 months in...! Thought I’d written that... 🤦🏼‍♀️

Just move. I’m sure you can do it if you actually put the effort into it. If it’s because you can’t be arsed then that’s on you.

I'm sure you can find some people who would help you move furniture, do try to rent the ground floor place which sounds right for you and easier than getting your LL to renovate your place - she won't.

Have you got any savings to pay a removals firm/man and van? If so, do it!

Oh just seen the contract comment. You can try but I very much doubt she’ll put the money into it if she hasn’t already.

Sorry that came across more harshly than I intended. Go for it! When you are in the garden playing with your 2 little ones 8 months from now AND £150 a Month better off you'll wonder why you even hesitated! It will be hard work with your little ones yes, but it will so be worth it! Good luck, hope you get it! XXX

Ahh bummer!! How big is the block of flats? Is it likely more will come up go rent when your term is up? Sit tight for now and save like mad so you have deposit and first months (or two?) rent for a new place.

Some contracts have a 6 month break clause, have a look and see.

Do you have a break cause at 6 months? Could be perfect if so

There should be a 6 month break clause in your tenancy agreement. If so, follow procedure for that. Its not just for landlords, tenants can use it as well if the tenancy isn't working out.

LLis unlikely to replace whole kitchen, fixing/repairing/replacing what is needed is more likely.
Who manages property, her or an agent? You could report the damaged laminate. Take pics, and keep proof that you reported incase the damage worsens and they try to take it out of your deposit.
If the kitchen is functional, I’m guessing she will not update until end of tenancy/she needs to.