tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426994241466690932.post3561044231319415445..comments2024-03-23T22:21:32.073-07:00Comments on Renter Girl: Not Hot - Very Bothered.RenterGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12556830109922784321noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426994241466690932.post-64067425240463584162013-02-03T03:18:05.213-08:002013-02-03T03:18:05.213-08:00Oh: Barney, I would follow Shelter and refer to th...Oh: Barney, I would follow Shelter and refer to the correct term they use ie 'Condensation Damp' but everybody but you recognises tht condensation is simply form of damp. I was told this by the then hed of all the Environmental Health officers in England. Shelter rule!RenterGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12556830109922784321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426994241466690932.post-84532709921528250062013-02-01T10:48:04.913-08:002013-02-01T10:48:04.913-08:00Bee Bee: I leave advice links on the side panels. ...Bee Bee: I leave advice links on the side panels. Shelter are the best place to go for advice.RenterGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12556830109922784321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426994241466690932.post-69879352436119761672013-02-01T06:24:24.078-08:002013-02-01T06:24:24.078-08:00Here's one resource, but i'm not sure it a...Here's one resource, but i'm not sure it answers you properly BeeBee.<br /><br />http://www.retaliatoryeviction.com/space cadetnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426994241466690932.post-60865597677007546112013-02-01T05:33:13.131-08:002013-02-01T05:33:13.131-08:00sorry, above post should have been directed at ren...sorry, above post should have been directed at rentergirl<br /><br />BeeBeeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426994241466690932.post-32644674826772056122013-02-01T05:31:31.104-08:002013-02-01T05:31:31.104-08:00I know this isn't quite the right post to brin...I know this isn't quite the right post to bring this up but would you be able to do a post on the eviction process? <br /><br />You mention the threat of eviction fairly often but never seem to follow up on the details of the process.<br /><br />There are many myths around eviction (on both landlord and tenant sides). It would seem like your bog would be a good place to provide tenant's with a solid information on what a landlord can (and more importantly) can't do. I have tried to search your blog but haven't had any luck (apologies if there is one already).<br /><br />I think tenants would be less susceptible to threats from landlords if they knew their rights. <br /><br />A large chunk of the bad practices:<br /> - frequent/unannounced "inspections"<br /> - withholding of deposits<br /> - large rent increases<br /> - eviction without notice<br />you mention are already covered by existing laws<br /> - harassment laws<br /> - deposit protection<br /> - can only raise rent by agreement or by section 13 notice which allows the tenant to request a binding rent assessment to a fair rent.<br /> - the section 21 process is actually heavily weighted in the tenant's favour <br /> <br />Unfortunately lack of tenant knowledge allows bad landlords to get away with it.<br /><br />For example (getting back on topic with the poor heating issue) it is now illegal to market or let a property without having an energy performance certificate (EPC)that ranks the property from A (sparkling eco home of the future) to G (Dickensian slum). So now tenants have at least some idea of how good or bad any property is.<br /><br />If the heating system doesn't work (e.g broken boiler) the landlord must repair it and the tenant has the right to ask the council for an inspection which can force the landlord to repair the property or even repair it on his behalf and bill him (or her).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426994241466690932.post-23193049169887122572013-02-01T05:17:18.666-08:002013-02-01T05:17:18.666-08:00Put them all together and you have the average fla...Put them all together and you have the average flat-hunt. Half decent, warm and insulated homes would be one less box to have to try and tick!<br /><br />And this is not just any box, this is the box that might save you (and any children) you have from a) being freezing in your own and b) debt ridden poverty. Get it now? Good. space cadetnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426994241466690932.post-78090217382696663412013-02-01T05:08:59.516-08:002013-02-01T05:08:59.516-08:00"But, according to you, we're flooded wit..."But, according to you, we're flooded with options anyway; at will to pick and chose our next abode. Like i say, you are grossly out of touch with the perils of home-hunting as a tenant; the imminent deadlines (that can come from nowhere), the prospective flatmates that like to pick and chose (and take an age about it sometimes) the flats that might have working heating (we're told) but a tonne of other problems besides, the landlords that wanna insist on cash etc etc... I could write a book on this alone. You think we just find the one with the best heating, and all is good in the world? Wake up for Christ's sake."<br /><br />You're right these problems are insurmountable! <br /><br />Barney from Newingtonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426994241466690932.post-82864749612555654242013-02-01T04:57:29.999-08:002013-02-01T04:57:29.999-08:00And you
" .. personally wouldn't buy a ...And you <br /><br />" .. personally wouldn't buy a property with storage heaters as they are expensive, give out poor heat and if they breakdown you are at the mercy of the big utility companies timetable to repair."<br /><br />Buy? Buy? We're talking about renting here. It's a DIFFERENT BALL GAME. space cadetnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426994241466690932.post-59894198999426807282013-02-01T04:54:00.234-08:002013-02-01T04:54:00.234-08:00"To claim that tenants do not know what heati..."To claim that tenants do not know what heating systems are in the flat they are going to rent is ridiculous."<br /><br />Try reading my post. I claimed that whatever heating system one is faced with, they can never be sure if they are a) even working properly or b) efficient. Storage heaters and economy 7 were shouted about years ago, as being the new efficient alternative. It now transpires that half these "cheaper" tariffs are actually not. <br /><br />But, according to you, we're flooded with options anyway; at will to pick and chose our next abode. Like i say, you are grossly out of touch with the perils of home-hunting as a tenant; the imminent deadlines (that can come from nowhere), the prospective flatmates that like to pick and chose (and take an age about it sometimes) the flats that might have working heating (we're told) but a tonne of other problems besides, the landlords that wanna insist on cash etc etc... I could write a book on this alone. You think we just find the one with the best heating, and all is good in the world? Wake up for Christ's sake. <br /><br />As for your response to this..<br /><br />"but where is there any inclination on the part of Govt to make landlords improve them?"<br /><br />That's kind of the point of having a private rental sector it's independent of the government. Private landlords prioritise our expenditure to meet the demands of the market. <br /><br />"Demands of the market" you say? That "but we're providing a much needed service" bullshit. Please, do me a favour. Every property bought by an investor is one less *home* for someone else. You wanna take it from us and then tell us how lucky we are? And homes have been independent of the British Govt for too long now, that's for sure. There is no moral conscience. You seem smugly content with that. You're alright Jack. Fuck the rest eh. space cadetnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426994241466690932.post-57382453265112365342013-02-01T04:33:23.017-08:002013-02-01T04:33:23.017-08:00"but where is there any inclination on the pa..."but where is there any inclination on the part of Govt to make landlords improve them?"<br /><br />That's kind of the point of having a private rental sector it's independent of the government. Private landlords prioritise our expenditure to meet the demands of the market.<br /><br />"Now, I know it's a free-lunch you're really after, but let's remember landlords are running a business here. And that tidy profit should come with some conscience, and obligation."<br /><br />Very few landlords make profits on renting but are comfortable with the losses on my properties as I look on subsidising rents as an alternative to paying into a pension. I do though agree that it is a business and not a charity.<br /><br />If you rented a property with storage heaters then that is your choice. <br /><br />I personally wouldn't buy a property with storage heaters as they are expensive, give out poor heat and if they breakdown you are at the mercy of the big utility companies timetable to repair.<br /><br />However I also know that it was fashionable in the 80s to build flats that did not have gas so replacing storage heaters can be problematic.<br /><br />To claim that tenants do not know what heating systems are in the flat they are going to rent is ridiculous.<br /><br />It would be included in the advert for the flat, available to check at the viewing and also included on the EPC (which landlords have to pay £100 to produce).<br /><br />You may believe that I lack compassion (which I don't) but I believe that you lack personal responsibility. <br />Barney from Newingtonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426994241466690932.post-78061518444419656222013-02-01T02:30:08.717-08:002013-02-01T02:30:08.717-08:00Ah, Barney, you're like that kid in the playgr...Ah, Barney, you're like that kid in the playground, trying to make fun of the teacher. <br /><br />"..tenants should check what the heating system is before they move in."<br /><br />I had a problem with condensation in my own home but solved it by opening the trickle vents in the bathroom and opening the windows when the weather allowed."<br /><br />It's funny to see you missing the point, so wildly. I'm starting to think you really are stupid, and not just obtuse. Heating a property, and making it energy efficient is about more than just the "heating system" you idiot. It includes proper insulation, and double glazing etc. (But you've got all the answers haven't you, it's all so simple.). Of course, they won't all be perfect but where is there any inclination on the part of Govt to make landlords improve them? Now, I know it's a free-lunch you're really after, but let's remember landlords are running a business here. And that tidy profit should come with some conscience, and obligation. <br /><br />And hell, I can look at the radiators or storage heaters sure, and pray real hard that they work adequately (just like everything else). I can even give the landlord benefit of the doubt, and hope he/she is being truthful when they answer me with the typical nonchalance/apathy and tell me just that "yeah, they're fine". (I've met landlords before who don't even know how the fucking heaters work. <br />But that is the extent of it. You get shown round, usually very quickly by a landlord, and you are forced to just take the bloody risk. <br /><br />You are so fecklessly out-of-touch with the perils of home-hunting as a tenant though, I wouldn't expect you to understand. And your smug tone speaks volumes about what kind ill-informed robot (of a landlord?) you are. One lacking in any compassion. <br />space cadetnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426994241466690932.post-25614111035652494022013-02-01T00:10:44.138-08:002013-02-01T00:10:44.138-08:00Local Housing Allowance is only generous to lamdlo...Local Housing Allowance is only generous to lamdlords.<br />And yes Rent - I've heard of those problems - we have them too.RenterGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12556830109922784321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426994241466690932.post-83464096254863416332013-01-31T20:29:03.463-08:002013-01-31T20:29:03.463-08:00- Renter Girl -
I'm sorry to hear that they d...- Renter Girl -<br /><br />I'm sorry to hear that they don't have stricter rules when it comes to renting an apartment where you live. That's too bad. <br /><br />The one thing I think people everywhere want is food, clothes, and a nice place to live. The basic necessities.<br /><br />I hope your blog brings more awareness to the needs of tenants in your country. <br /><br />But don't feel too bad. Here in America, there are still some problems with renting. Especially in places where we call "low income".Renthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09786583466197322985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426994241466690932.post-39789927696979837562013-01-31T16:14:00.483-08:002013-01-31T16:14:00.483-08:00Hi HB
I am pretty sure that I could get a new boi...Hi HB<br /><br />I am pretty sure that I could get a new boiler cheaper on the open market than with the green deal.<br /><br />I also believe that price is set by how much a person is willing to pay as opposed to the sum of the parts of producing an item. I would wager I could save more money on heating by shopping around than by buying a new boiler.<br /><br />Regarding the boiler being paid for by the savings on the tenants heating bill, can you imagine asking RG to hand over the £20 a month you supposedly are saving she would have a canary.<br /><br />The worst thing though is that the monies outstanding on the green deal are transferable when you sell a property.<br /><br />The government either has schemes which are unpalatable such as the green deal or ridiculously generous such as local housing allowance. If they had a scheme in between it would be the same as the free market offers.<br /><br />Barney from Newingtonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426994241466690932.post-78453231431975415982013-01-31T08:59:52.310-08:002013-01-31T08:59:52.310-08:00Hello Barney,
For clarification, I'm no great...Hello Barney,<br /><br />For clarification, I'm no great fan of the Green Deal myself (although I have looked into it a bit more than most). I was simply pointing out to Penny that tenants can do something about their situation, unfortunately she took offence to the way I pointed it out.<br /><br />However, if you really are one of those evil, despicable 'rentiers' Barney ;-<br /><br />"the Green deal is a complete waste of time." <br /><br />Not necessarily. It's been such a flop, they are desperate for any takers.<br /><br />What if one of your pre-war boilers has just about spluttered its last?<br /><br />Wouldn't it be loverly to whack in a brand new 'A' rated energy efficient boiler and put the 2 grand cost onto the tenant's leccy bill?<br /><br />How about buying that boarded up, old, crackhouse? <br /><br />New double glazing, new doors, re plastering (over the interior solid wall insulation), eco lighting, new shower, radiators, windchimes and beanbags.<br />-All installed and paid for by the new mug occupier.<br /><br />Play it right and you'll even get a grand 'cashback' to blow down the lapdancing club.<br /><br />I'm obviously taking the mick but you get the idea. There were a few caveats in the old schemes to try and prevent this kind of thing, though I've not seen much in the Green Deal small print so far.<br /><br />Even if there is, I reckon there will be a few of the naughty ones out there who will find a way to exploit it.<br /><br />Maybe Government realised this and have sneaked in a backhander for landlords and developers under the guise of saving the planet.<br /><br />-If RG still bothers reading my comments, we might see a "Failed Green Deal Used To Line Landlord and Developer Pockets" article in next week's Guardian!<br /><br />Regards, HB WelcomeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426994241466690932.post-53811462648340421832013-01-31T06:28:54.720-08:002013-01-31T06:28:54.720-08:00Right what are we looking at today?
Let's see...Right what are we looking at today?<br /><br />Let's see "ya da yada, landlords should provide replacement heating for their tenants ya da yada". <br /><br />Ok I'm against it as the tenants should check what the heating system is before they move in.<br /><br />I do though appreciate that you call it "condensation" rather than "condensation damp" which is Shelters preferred term.<br /><br />I had a problem with condensation in my own home but solved it by opening the trickle vents in the bathroom and opening the windows when the weather allowed. <br /><br />Perhaps tenants should try the same before expecting landlords to install new heating.<br /><br />Also I agree that the Green deal is a complete waste of time. I certainly wouldn't ever buy a property which had a green deal in place.<br /><br />Hooray we agree on something!Barney from Newingtonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426994241466690932.post-59450065857796344232013-01-31T03:20:52.542-08:002013-01-31T03:20:52.542-08:00Hello Dazzla,
I understand what you are saying bu...Hello Dazzla,<br /><br />I understand what you are saying but it's not quite correct.<br /><br />Your £18/month relates to a reasonable amount for only minor usage of a home for business. At this level you should not receive a detailed enquiry by HMRC.<br />-Actually you are slightly overclaiming on what HMRC deems reasonable. It used to be £3/week but it has just gone up to £4/week.<br /><br />However, as stated, for someone working from home all day, it is allowed to claim the <i>actual</i> costs incurred- including any extra paid because the property is energy inefficient.<br /><br />This link explains (example 4 in particular);<br /><br />http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/bimmanual/bim47825.htm<br /><br />So, if you are working from your energy ineficient home and using £100 a week heating the room <i>solely</i> for business purposes, it is permissible to claim for it for the hours you are working.<br /><br />-If you do claim such amounts, I would recommend keeping impeccable records and proof.<br /><br />Regards, HB WelcomeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426994241466690932.post-27977428582299437632013-01-31T00:03:44.953-08:002013-01-31T00:03:44.953-08:00It's £18 a month, flat rate. Everyone claims i...It's £18 a month, flat rate. Everyone claims it regardless of whether or not they actually work from home. I do, and I only occasionally work form home. It doesn't even begin to cover actual expenses incurred.Dazzlahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10487973757192021825noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426994241466690932.post-76884776996975858462013-01-30T13:15:00.413-08:002013-01-30T13:15:00.413-08:00No, that's only extra because they at home, no...No, that's only extra because they at home, not because that home is inefficient. RenterGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12556830109922784321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426994241466690932.post-75149444141400349322013-01-30T09:33:22.269-08:002013-01-30T09:33:22.269-08:00They can;
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/relief...They can;<br /><br />http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/relief-household.htm<br /><br /><i>If you have to work at or from home you can get tax relief for the extra household expenses that you have to pay. Typically these extra expenses include:<br /><br />•the extra cost of gas and electricity to heat and light your work area</i>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426994241466690932.post-12960098383844318302013-01-30T08:14:58.186-08:002013-01-30T08:14:58.186-08:00"they can claim the extra heating off their t..."they can claim the extra heating off their tax bill."<br /><br />They can't.Dazzlahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10487973757192021825noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426994241466690932.post-26431895502344260652013-01-30T01:53:33.161-08:002013-01-30T01:53:33.161-08:00Thank you, 'Rent.' I know that tenants in ...Thank you, 'Rent.' I know that tenants in the US enjoy (it varies from state to state) rente controls and greater security than in the UK. Tenants in the UK can be given 2 months notice on a whim: there's no need for any justification. So tenants who complain to a bad landlord about broken/indequate heating could easily be shown the door.RenterGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12556830109922784321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426994241466690932.post-1545772358728877062013-01-29T18:06:46.079-08:002013-01-29T18:06:46.079-08:00I'm in the United States so some of this I don...I'm in the United States so some of this I don't understand, but one thing I do get is that people who rent, depending on their economic situation, are at the mercy of the one's they are renting from.<br /><br />The only thing, I imagine, is to hope that the person you are renting from has mercy, or compassion, or maybe even, dare I say it, both.Renthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09786583466197322985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426994241466690932.post-36674042237856594042013-01-29T04:46:03.460-08:002013-01-29T04:46:03.460-08:00Hi there, I wonder if you could email me. I would ...Hi there, I wonder if you could email me. I would like to speak to you about your blog.<br />regards<br /><br />Paul<br />paul.desousa@rightmove.co.ukPaulhttp://www.rightmove.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2426994241466690932.post-47694335394890033252013-01-29T04:17:26.379-08:002013-01-29T04:17:26.379-08:00See this HB. It's in the media, so it must be ...See this HB. It's in the media, so it must be true, to use your argument.<br /><br />http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/dec/20/green-deal-failRenterGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12556830109922784321noreply@blogger.com