DP and me were given a section 21 notice to leave the house we've been renting for several years. This was because the landlord wanted to sell. Unfortunately this was really bad timing for us, as DP had arranged to take early retirement, and was intending to do some agency work to top up his pension. But as this was all transitional, we looked like a bad prospect to new landlords. I asked some of the agencies and they said that with 6 months rent up front we can get round this. Viewed a few places.
Then a house that was on with our current agents was reduced in price to within our budget and we asked to view. It was actually a nice house and they seemed very keen for us to have it 'as we'd been such good tenants for years'. So I thought why not, it will be easier going through them, the house is nice, go for it.
We have not signed the tenancy agreement yet, but we have paid a one week holding deposit. I agreed a move in date and a move out date for this house, with a few days overlap. However I just had the gas safety certificate forwarded by the letting agents. On the certificate the plumber has the landlord is listed as living next door. I didn't fancy that very much, even for the nicest landlord, I think most people wouldn't want to live next door to their landlord. I decided to find out more. It turns out the landlord listed appears to be the son of the actual owner. The owner seems to be a person who was sentenced to a short prison term a while ago (would be out now). The reason is this person was the owner/manager of a hotel not too far away and he failed to comply with fire safety regulations despite warnings. The courts obviously took it quite seriously to jail him. He was also given a hefty fine, and in the same year a bank put a charge on the property, which all seems to tie in with him being this person, although I suppose there's a small chance it's just someone of the same name.
I don't want to live next door to the son of this dodgy landlord, and what sort of landlord will he be?? On the other hand, we don't have that many options I suppose and have already arranged removal dates etc. (although could be cancelled). And the house is nice.
Pretty furious with the letting agents. Am I right in thinking that in some areas this person wouldn't even be allowed to be a landlord. Yes I know they probably werent' legally obliged to tell us, but still.... What do you think I should do? And when should I tell the letting agents that I know?