Landlord here..looking for advice

[LOISJ]

Hope I’m posting this in the right place as I would love to get some advice.

I’m a new landlord and I owned and lived in the place myself for 7 years but recently rented it out to move in with my boyfriend. I’ve done it through an agency so everything is above board and by all account found a nice professional couple to live there who were properly vetted.

However, in the first week of moving in they contacted the agent who are managing it for me every single day with issues…some reasonable some not.

Now I want to stress I know fully it’s my responsibility to ensure repairs are carried out and I have no problem them contacting us for genuine reasons. Infact it’s likely a good sign they’ll look after it however their issues range from reasonable to downright silly. I need advice on how to deal with it moving forward as I can’t sustain this in the long term. A few teething problems yes but the property is in a good condition, well looked after and I lived there myself personally for 7 years- worth noting I’m extremely house proud!

Issue range from windows don’t open (they were stiff as it is a Victorian terrace) heating doesn’t work (it does they’d just messed about with the boiler and pressed something) to genuine bits such as a leaky radiator which I’m happy to fix however when we try to arrange the plumber to come they say it’s inconvenient. They’ve already asked for a reduction in their rent in the first week. During the week, and in an attempt to help them I went round there myself in my own time rather than the agency, to take them through bits and allow them to ask questions. Before I left I asked if there was anything else or if they needed shown how things work, they told me no.

I’ve also paid to have a shower bracket fitted to the wall on their request. Previously I had a hand held shower over the bath. Personal choice but that suited me fine so I feel I’ve been very accommodating to them.

They’re now asking to have blinds fitted over the patio doors in the dining room. I’m really reluctant to allow this as it’s more work and modifications. The patio doors look onto an enclosed private garden with no passing traffic or prying eyes. AIBU?

Please help….

The rent reduction is cheeky, don’t do it. It only really applies if you’ve taken an unreasonable amount of time to carry out necessary repairs. I dont think you have. So just refuse that.

The blinds, that’s a no. Window coverings are not required. If you feel nice, you can give them permission to pay for and put some on themselves.

The rest are reasonable minor things. Windows being stiff, they probably didn’t want to push too hard and break them, so asked. The boiler they tried to work but probably to embarrassed to admit they can’t work it. It’s their problem if plumber time is inconvenient, not yours and doesn’t count against you for timely repairs. The shower wall bracket..that is standard.

Things like the plumber I always give them the plumbers number and say to arrange direct with him.

The blinds I would say no.

The others are teething issues and hopefully will cease once they settle in.

Rent reduction no if the boiler is because they changed settings or refused to be shown how to set. Also nowadays manuals can be downloaded if not provided.

Thanks for replies so far. I left them an envelope with booklets and a user manual for the thermostat so it’s all there. I couldn’t believe it when they asked for a rent reduction! I’d understand if they property was uninhabitable or id taken an age to sort anything. Everything so far has been dealt with within 48 hours

I’d give them their money back and find new tenants, but I’m sure that’s not how it works a bit of a fuck off!

Rent reduction. On what basis? You have fixed everything. That would be something major. I have never given a rent reduction or indeed asked for one when when I was renting ever.

I would just start to say no, if it is unreasonable and don't interact. It would be a no on the blinds, or say they can't for them at their cost and need to take them down and fill any holes when they leave. Such requests should be agreed in advance. You have PITA tenants

Absolutely no to the blinds. If they are that bothered they can fit them and their cost and make good when they leave.

They do seem to be a bit CF so I think be firm.

Join NRLA its tax deductible -they have a phone line a forum &you can download paperwork they explain current legislation & rules
worth every penny about £75 a year
if you have not got curtains/blinds on the inventory they provide them & if you put them in & they are NOT on the inventory -they may walk when they leave
How old are they op? I would be careful as trying to get a reduction at this stage sounds a bit worrying.
(Stiff windows I do understand)

If the doors are pvc, I'd suggest they looked at perfect fit style blinds which require no drilling or fixings. Or alternatively, IKEA have light paper blinds which stick to the top of the window (easy to remove) and are around £3.50 each. They can pay

I’m a landlord. Rent reduction no. Blinds and other stuff yes.

You don't have to say yes to the blinds. I probably wouldn't, they can find a solution. You can consider it at another time.

My view is its reasonable to expect window covers - it’s not like they’re readily moveable furniture. It’s unfair to expect tenants to shell out for something that is pretty much fixed to the house. Abs for basic privacy and security I also thinks it’s reasonable to want them even if not overlooked

Send someone to show how boiler works .
Yes to shower wall bracket.
Yes to blinds maybe they need extra insulation

The agent should also be handling this shouldn’t they? Presumably they’d rebuff the rent request?

My view is that they rented what they saw, so no to blinds. Our letting agent now says not to supply curtains, although I always do.
I am surprised that the letting agent missed the shower wall bracket .
Definately no to the rent reduction .

@MilesOfSand

The agent should also be handling this shouldn’t they? Presumably they’d rebuff the rent request?

I think the agent has to pass on all requests from tenants and then advise landlord on what is legally required to assist in the decision.

Landlord here. I’d like curtains or blinds, even if you don’t agree. I think you should come to an agreement regarding which you agree to, as both would mean screws, nails,fixings of some kind.

As for the plumber, make sure it is documented in writing (text/email) that’s you have offered times and they have refused so far. I’ve never had to do it but I think you can arrange access with notice without them being there for necessary repairs. I’d be concerned what damage the leaky radiator is doing and think they need an ultimatum to agree to an appointment or you will have to let the plumber in.

No to rent reduction.

If this carries on after the first month I’d give them notice, in accordance with the tenancy terms.

They're bloody lucky you're so accommodating!

I'm a renter, when I moved in my house there were no blinds or curtains anywhere I had to pay and put them all up myself. I replaced the blind slats in the living room out of my own pocket because they were minging, we decorated all the bedrooms to make them feel homely and are in the process of doing downstairs with the go ahead from our landlord.
I wouldn't dare ask him for anything unless it literally wasn't my responsibility!
What they going to ask for next? New light bulbs when the old ones blow?! 😂

From a renters position, as long as the kitchen is nice and works, the bathroom is nice and works and the landlord is happy for you to make it your home as you wish then I think that's all you need!

Bloody rent reduction 😂

sounds like they are testing boundaries...i let 2 houses....once one couple demanded a huge list of things...power showers, garden furniture, petrol mower etc etc...could i change a lightbulb...they were a constant nuisance....i had enough after a year and gave them notice....they did a runner...owed rent and sublet the house to dealers...!!

Tis is why I give 6 month tenancies wherever possible. Do consider it in future.

Some people do have hotel standard expectations of a long-term let.

No to rent reduction. The house would have be uninhabitable for me to do that.

Everything you do in that property from now on take pictures with a date stamp, and then email them to confirm discussions eg 'is everything ok' should be 'thank you for meeting me this afternoon. I am happy to hear that you have no further concerns, but please do contact me again with any questions about what we discussed: x, y and z'.

Or something along those lines, even more closed, if you like.

The request for you to fit blinds and other additional accessories is ridiculous - the house was let as presented. BUT, one of the perks of paying a premium to privately rent is having an expectation of living in a sorted house where everything is in good order and works, and not being inconvenienced by trade work etc. I'd complain about stuck windows and non functioning/leaking heating too.

I’ve been a landlord in the past so my view..
Rent reduction bonkers! Let’s hope you don’t have any more nonsense like this.
Boiler ok mistakes happen and hopefully teething issues
Shower yes
Personally I would do the blinds but I understand your reluctance
Plumber you need to get him to liaise direct with you paying

Hopefully things will settle down and they will be good tenants who enjoy living there. But being a LL does involve a fair bit of input from you and it’s not always a breeze. It can take some people by surprise, but you seem sensible and hopefully this will work for both sides going forward but yes I would be put off by the rent reduction comments in week one!