Laws on rented property
Discussion
Mods, first of all I am sure you can work out who I really am from my IP address, but I am posting under another name for privacy reasons, since I know some people follow my posts and I don't want them to know. And move this to the correct forum if appropriate please. Right, let's get to the point.
In the depths of a middle county lurks a big farming estate with a number of rented properties, from large farm houses to old labourers cottages. Some rent are controlled agricultural tenancies but the majority are straight modern commercial rate (or almost) rents. Now the owner spends as little as possible on maintenance and I don't think, but have no idea as to the law here, that the properties would pass muster if inspected. Mice infestation, rising damp, leaky roofs, old electrics and so on come to mind. But because the place is idyllic and the rents are lower than what one would expect to pay, people put up with it, or so it seems. I have known people there for years, and wonder if there is any way of improving the lot of these people without upsetting their applecart. The owner is, by the way, mega-rich, well into seven figures.
I hope that this provides some thought-provoking answers, not stupid comments, since I am in a real quandary as to whether I should do anything. After all, I don't live there and really it is none of my business, which is why you might just advise me to have sex and travel.
In the depths of a middle county lurks a big farming estate with a number of rented properties, from large farm houses to old labourers cottages. Some rent are controlled agricultural tenancies but the majority are straight modern commercial rate (or almost) rents. Now the owner spends as little as possible on maintenance and I don't think, but have no idea as to the law here, that the properties would pass muster if inspected. Mice infestation, rising damp, leaky roofs, old electrics and so on come to mind. But because the place is idyllic and the rents are lower than what one would expect to pay, people put up with it, or so it seems. I have known people there for years, and wonder if there is any way of improving the lot of these people without upsetting their applecart. The owner is, by the way, mega-rich, well into seven figures.
I hope that this provides some thought-provoking answers, not stupid comments, since I am in a real quandary as to whether I should do anything. After all, I don't live there and really it is none of my business, which is why you might just advise me to have sex and travel.
Are they informal tenancies, commercial leases or full residential Assured Shorthold Tenancies?
Did the tenants agree to the condition of the property when they moved in?
With a commercial lease the tenant is normally liable for the upkeep of the property (often called FRI - fully repairing and insuring). In a standard residential lease, the landlord would normally be responsible for the building, although the tenant would have some reponsibility to ensure the building does not deteriorate.
What does the landlord say when approached regarding repairs?
Did the tenants agree to the condition of the property when they moved in?
With a commercial lease the tenant is normally liable for the upkeep of the property (often called FRI - fully repairing and insuring). In a standard residential lease, the landlord would normally be responsible for the building, although the tenant would have some reponsibility to ensure the building does not deteriorate.
What does the landlord say when approached regarding repairs?
A lot depends on the type of lease/rental and the specific contract the properties are leased/rented under.
The law on this sort of thing is a nightmare, and a shed load of red tape especially when it comes to ASTs.
If they're happy, pay a reduced rent and haven't complained I struggle to see why you'd want to get involved.
I do commend your humanitarian approach to the situation however, and can't help but think there are other more needy people who may benefit from your attention/efforts.
The law on this sort of thing is a nightmare, and a shed load of red tape especially when it comes to ASTs.
If they're happy, pay a reduced rent and haven't complained I struggle to see why you'd want to get involved.
I do commend your humanitarian approach to the situation however, and can't help but think there are other more needy people who may benefit from your attention/efforts.
Triumph Man said:
I'd be almost tempted to say that if the tenants are happy with their reduced rent and are generally happy, I'd leave well alone.
Indeed. I know someone who lived in the same rented place for years with a broken shower. Each year the landlord wanted to put the price up, each year she said if you do that I want the shower fixed.She was quite happy with the rent staying the same for around 10 years, and i'd imagine she would be quite pissed off if someone had come in and fixed her shower, and then the rent had been raised...
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