Landlord wants to put a skip on my driveway

[DeathByWalkies]

Bit of an inconvenient confluence of events

I'm a private tenant. The tenancy agreement includes one parking space which is allocated and secure (there's a second space which belongs to my upstairs neighbours).

There's some works that do need doing to the rear of the property, where the parking space is.

I've been told that they want to put two skips on the driveway, leaving me with no parking whatsoever. This will also make it basically impossible to use the garden due to scaffolding / noise / dust so I'll be losing a second amenity.

I've already maxed out the parking permits available to my property (main car + visitor permit for DP) but now I'm in the process of buying a specialist and very expensive classic vehicle that needs to be kept off road for both security and insurance reasons.

I have nowhere else to store the vehicle, and the purchase of it cannot be delayed. Another one like it won't come on the market for many years, if ever. I've been trying to find a garage to rent anyway to store it, but nothing suitable has come up (mainly due to the size - it's an unusually tall vehicle and just won't fit in most domestic garages). I'm also worried about the builders damaging said vehicle either through carelessness or excess dust.

I've not broached this with the LL yet, and tbh I'm not sure how to handle this really.

Point blank refuse access to my driveway?
Ask landlord to source and pay for alternative secure parking (and cover the cost of any insurance increase?) on the basis that I'm already paying for my parking space?
Something else?

@NannyAndJohn

His house his rules.

Maybe you should have used that money on a house deposit instead of burning it on a new car, eh?

Doubt the car would come close to what’s needed for a house deposit.

And generation rent can’t put their lives on hold on the off chance house prices suddenly become affordable.

A lot of classic cars are rising investments. So could be the way op finds a way onto the property ladder.

@DeathByWalkies
I think you need to put this to your landlord. I don’t think you should refuse, he will just serve you notice and then your in the shit trying to rent somewhere suitable. He might have room on his driveway.
It’s not ideal but it may also get the work done quicker if he’s got your car in his way

Did you say the space belonging to the upstairs tenant is also being used for a skip? If not, and it's a secure space, could something be worked out with them? Obviously ll would still need to be involved to get them a rent reduction etc. At least then the car would be in a secure space nearby

Are there any local classic car clubs? Try asking some of their members if they have any space to store your vehicle temporarily. I have a classic and have always found the club members to be really nice and willing to help each other out. They will appreciate a nosey at your vehicle if it’s that rare!

@NannyAndJohn

His house his rules.

Maybe you should have used that money on a house deposit instead of burning it on a new car, eh?

First time I've seen you on a non covid board! I'm pretty sure a deposit on a house is more than a car in many many areas of the country

What a condensing comment.

@NannyAndJohn

His house his rules.

Maybe you should have used that money on a house deposit instead of burning it on a new car, eh?

What a dick comment.

I'm a landlord a AFAI am aware, it is my tenants home and house.

*Not to mention that the OP is getting the place she's staying improved for free.

Free.* @NannyAndJohn

Do you not understand the concept of renting? The LL is paying as it's their house. The tenant is using those amenities as they are paying rent for them. There's nothing 'free' for the tenant.

Now I know 100% you are a troll. I've suspected for a while after seeing your numerous lockdown is imminent rubbish on the covid board

I would write to the landlord and say that you need the parking for your car and as it’s part of your contract, can he deduct the amount it will cost for you to hire a garage elsewhere.

It's not free, she pays rent.

No idea who you are but you clearly have no idea about renting.

@NannyAndJohn

His house his rules.

Maybe you should have used that money on a house deposit instead of burning it on a new car, eh?

Antagonistic and pointless comment.

But the inconvenience you will have is to improve your home?????????

You can refuse access to do the work, presumably it’s not an emergency if you’ve been waiting for that long. But be aware that if your refusal causes further damage or deterioration you’ll be held responsible. Or alternatively you can request a rent reduction for the period your parking space is unavailable. Depends if you want the work done though - the landlord can just decide not to do it.

@NannyAndJohn

His house his rules.

Maybe you should have used that money on a house deposit instead of burning it on a new car, eh?

Idiotic comment

I’m so relieved by the supportive comments.
It’s hard enough renting without the “give up your Costa and avocado” chiming in

Having rented for 13 years at what point do you stop not spending that money in the tiny hope?

@DeathByWalkies
Don’t forget to check your fuel pipes are ok for the new fuel.

@NannyAndJohn

His house his rules.

Maybe you should have used that money on a house deposit instead of burning it on a new car, eh?

I’m starting to suspect this poster just likes winding people up. Grow up. You are pathetic.

The 3 possibilities from AuntyFungal are good - so expect him to provide a parking solution or rent reduction whilst that part of what you pay for is unavailable.

Any communication about it can be friendly and polite and also acknowledge the work needs doing. I wouldn’t mention classic car, simply need to securely store vehicle and that secure parking is part of what you pay for.

Work often needs doing in tenanted properties and can’t always be done between tenancies. It invariably causes some inconveniences. Tenants have to accept such work needs to happen and at the same time can expect some recompense if aspects of what they pay for are inconvenienced or unavailable. Yes, they usually gain from the positives of the work being done and cannot really refuse to allow it, but it’s not their choice and they should either receive the full service they have paid for or temporary reduced rent.

Personally as a LL I would have foreseen this issue and when discussing the work plans (and liaising with tenant to find least inconvenient time for work to happen and arrange any access etc) I would have offered either a rent reduction for a period or a set payment to be given at the end of the work (if an agent was involved with rent - to avoid messing that all up)

When the LL offers the reduction upfront it sends a positive message of acknowledgement of inconvenience and recognition of what has been paid for.

By offering a reduction upfront, the LL could have removed any issues to do with finding alternative parking from themselves and also controlled the financial reduction.

As an example, my property had scaffolding on it for 6 weeks while the property was rendered and decorated. A skip was on the drive for 2 weeks (although tenant didn’t have a car - the space was part of what she rented). When broaching the work we gave a choice of months when it would be carried out and offered £250 cheque at end of work. Tenant chose the month and was pleased to get £250 in time for Christmas.

It was positive all round and probably made the tenant more tolerant to the work (some dust and mess) as well as understanding when it took 3 days longer than expected.

Offering upfront was a good move and a fair one because the work did create some inconvenience. We wNted the tenant to stay and renew their contract (change of tenant is expensive and inconvenient) and this was a good tenant - so treating them right and respecting what they’ve paid for and is theirs by rights, is both the correct thing to do and also the savvy thing in terms of good relations.

Landlords incur costs whilst renting. It’s just one of those things. Renovating and repairs is one and compensating tenants for inconvenience is another. Tenants pay rent and the rent needs to cover that work and compensation. The LL us not doing the tenant a favour by letting them live in their house as some suggest. The LL is providing a service which is contractually set out and the tenant pays for it. So they can totally expect to get what they pay for and all their contractual rights such as notice periods etc. A property owner should only let their property if they fully understand and are prepared to deliver the service they have offered and been paid for. ‘Bring the owner’ does not mean they can just do what they like and what suits them whenever they like because they are the owner. Rightly, paying rent gives contractual rights which have to be met.

So Op, just approach LL by email I’m a polite and friendly way, expecting them to provide a resolution either practical or financial. In all likelihood they will provide a financial solution and you’ll hVe to sort the practical side of things with the car. That is fine and the fact you have bought a specific type of car is irrelevant really, so don’t get dude tracked with that.

@Knittedfairies

Could the current owners of the vehicle hang on to it/store it for a while until the work is finished?

This was going to be my suggestion. Get a signed agreement for 2 months storage with them - doesn’t delay purchase so should be win-win?