Four Ways to Deal with a Difficult Landlord
If you’re living in rented accommodation, then you may occasionally have to deal with the landlord. For an unlucky minority, this can pose a problem. If you have a problem that requires attention, and you can’t induce your landlord to intervene, then you aren’t alone. Fortunately, there are a few strategies we might employ to fix things.
The responsibilities of a landlord
Landlords have several obligations to their tenants. These include the duty to provide gas safety certificates, and to protect your deposit using an appropriate scheme. They also have to conduct repairs when required, and to ensure that the home is fit for human habitation. At the same time, they’re not allowed to enter the property for an inspection without providing twenty-four hour’s notice, in writing.
If you’re being evicted, then a particular process has to be observed. Private renters must receive notice, before the action is escalated via the courts, and then bailiffs move in. Failure to observe this process, or any of the duties outlined above, might constitute a breach of the law.
Ways to deal with difficult landlords
Of course, if every landlord played by the rules, then life for tenants would be much more agreeable. So, what should you do if you come up against a difficult landlord?
Pay your rent
Even if you think that you’re in the right during a dispute, it’s essential that you address the wrong in the right way – which means seeking legal advice. In the meantime, don’t be tempted to withhold rent as a punitive measure. It will backfire.
Keep the property in good order
If you think the landlord is looking for something to criticise, then try not to give them any ammunition. It’s their job to fix things like the boiler, but it’s your job to keep up with basic housekeeping. Know your duties and perform them. If you have renter’s insurance, you’ll have an additional layer of protection.
Learn the law
You don’t need to take a degree in law to deal with a problem landlord, but you should know your rights. Being able to quote them will help you out during a confrontation. You don’t need to threaten legal action, but it will be helpful if you can articulate exactly why you’re in the right.
Keep records
It might be that you need to present evidence of what’s going on to a court of law. Keep a copy of every document, including any written requests for maintenance you’re putting out. If you’re communicating informally via text, then your landlord won’t be able to claim that they forgot about a certain conversation – or, if they do, they won’t be able to shirk the blame, since the record of the message has been digitally recorded.
This is a collaborative post.
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