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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not meet dead dad's landlord

89 replies

Volcanoes3 · 29/03/2021 16:50

My dad died last monday unexpectedly. The ambulance broke the door to get in.

My dad lived in a privately rented flat since I was a teenager. I am now late 20s. As far as im aware the landlord has not checked on the property in that time. The land lord has been a bit funny with me so far (via phone and email), saying it was my responsibility to take over the tenancy as next of kin but he was willing to just take a months rent as a "goodwill gesture". He later decided that I didn't have to pay the month rent as he has another tenant that wants to move in as soon as he has decorated the place. He has also said I am responsible to pay for the broken door.

However:
The tenancy was with my dad, no agreement was ever made with me.
My dad paid a deposit which should cover the broken door.
The landlord should have insurance to pay for the broken door.

My dad was on benefits I doubt there is any money in his bank account.

I really don't want to go and meet the landlord, "to do end of tenancy paperwork and carry out a property check" because its not my tenancy, and I feel it would be too upsetting for me right now. Someone I know who is an older (than me) man has agreed to go at the arranged time to hand over the keys. Is this okay?

I figure if my dad didn't have any relatives, not only would the landlord still have had to pay for the door, he also would have to have emptied the flat (which 3 people have spent 5 days doing), so the landlord should be pleased we have done that.

OP posts:
SchadenfreudePersonified · 30/03/2021 10:53

What if they can only just manage to keep themselves and their children Fluffy?

MrsHuntGeneNotJeremyObviously · 30/03/2021 17:18

Fluffy, my in-laws burnt through every penny they got - cars, holidays constant meals out etc. They didn't save anything. I certainly wouldn't have been willing to deny myself or my kids a decent quality of life so that I could pay for their care in old age.
What they did do was pay fuck tons of tax - if they'd lived long enough then this is what I would have expected to pay for their old age.

myusernamewastakenbyme · 30/03/2021 18:06

Haha @FluffyHippo that didnt go the way you wanted it too...did it?

myusernamewastakenbyme · 30/03/2021 18:08

@FluffyHippo what a stupid thing to say....I own my home outright and expect that to be sold to pay for my care...my children should never be expected to fund my care...why would they??

TomHanksintheMoneyPitt · 30/03/2021 21:44

THe estate of your Dad needs to pay for the door

OP, I've been in the exact - and I mean EXACT - same position, was executor for both my parents when they died, and very recently dealt with a situation where police had to break down a door in a rented flat to provide urgent medical care.

Please, please ignore everything that RB68 says, that poster is completely talking out their arse and has no idea of the law.

You are NOT in any way shape or form (assuming you're in the UK) legally liable for paying for the door. Paying for damage caused by an emergency is covered by building insurance. Even if your dad was still alive, it would still be the landlord's responsibility (under Section 11 of the 1985 L&T Act 1985 - due to the fact the door is considered "exterior" and due to the fact the tenant didn't wilfully damage the door). It certainly isn't the responsibility of someone with no connection to the property.

You are under no obligation to have anything to do with this man at all, other than obviously being obligated to return the key. Give the key back and refuse to have any further contact with him.

I'm very sorry for your loss.

EndOfLifeDoula · 30/03/2021 21:56

I did click the thread to offer advice that you can seek help to pay for the funeral, but I see someone has given you a link already.

You owe the landlord nothing. I think having your friend pop in pre meeting time to take photos is a great idea before handing over the keys.

Butwasitherdriveway · 30/03/2021 22:00

@FluffyHippo tone deaf isn't the word is it.

Original poster
Volcanoes3 · 01/04/2021 19:36

Update: my friends dad went to meet the landlord for me yesterday and told them that as far as I'm concerned that the end of my involvement with him (or words to that effect) i haven't heard anything for 24 hours so hopefully that is the end of it.

If my dad had any money in his account that will be going straight to the funeral.

Thanks again for all your comments.

OP posts:
cherish123 · 01/04/2021 22:02

Sorry about your dad. The landlord is being ridiculous. That's what the deposit is for - the broken door. As for the relatives taking over the tenancy 🙄. I'd report the landlord.

cherish123 · 01/04/2021 22:03

Glad your friend's dad is being supportive.

memberofthewedding · 01/04/2021 22:44

Under UK law a landlord has to apply for a "deed of abandonment" to the courts before he can enter the premises.

Greenpolkadot · 02/04/2021 06:29

As others have said, you have no liability. When your friend goes to meet the landlord , have them take a copy of the death certificate, just a photocopy will do. This covers the dates for when rent was due.
Also make sure that any rent paid is upto date..and make sure you have proof of this.
This a shockingly sad time for you OP and I'm so sorry for you.
Remember to cover yourself and don't be bullied by this tosser.

Greenpolkadot · 02/04/2021 06:30

Apologies OP.. iv just seen your update. I'm glad you had a friend to help.

Roonerspismed · 02/04/2021 06:34

Ignore landlord. Landlord is a greedy twat

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