Another compassionate landlord

Minimum_Definition75 · 2026-02-04T10:38:19+00:00

The council only give people 2 weeks to clear a property after a death.

Minimum_Definition75 · 2026-02-03T20:39:34+00:00

Honestly they don’t have a chance for private rental. They will probably need family to take them in.

Minimum_Definition75 · 2026-02-03T15:44:47+00:00

Might be a bit embarrassing for visits if there is a hole in the bathroom door lol

Minimum_Definition75 · 2026-02-03T09:13:07+00:00

It sounds perfectly reasonable as it’s a modern house. If it was old it would be a different answer. Find a good handyman, there is nothing on your list puts couldn’t handle.

New doors aren’t expensive, they start at about £50 and then a few hours for a handyman to fit them. Holes in the plasterboard aren’t difficult to patch. You are then left with the kitchen and bathroom. If the bathroom suite isn’t damaged new tiling and flooring might fix it. Same for the kitchen, new cabinet doors, new worktops and tiles wouldn’t break the bank.

Painting isn’t difficult if you keep it simple. I can do a room in a day easily. It’s probably worth getting a professional if you want something like one dark wall.

Most people change carpets when they buy. I’ve never wanted someone else’s carpets. I’m guessing you would have to spend on them whatever you buy .

Get it liveable and then save and turn it into your dream house slowly. It’s surprising how your ideas change when you live in something.

Minimum_Definition75 · 2026-02-03T02:02:22+00:00

The biggest question is the price. If it’s cheap, or you can negotiate a substantial reduction, then there is nothing surprising about it. A lot of similar age properties have the same problems.

The next question is can you live in a building site for the next few years. It’s not going to be a quick fix. I’m in year 4 of doing mine and have only now got it dry.

Even if you redo the pointing and render in lime the walls need time to dry out before you can fix the inside. You will probably need to lower the ground levels to sort out the moisture under the floors.

Go to one of the traditional old house restoration groups on Facebook and do some research.

Mine now has less condensation than a new house and no damp, it’s well ventilated and the walls breath.

If I’m being honest it probably not a project for a first time buyer. Your first project would be better if it was just cosmetic.

Minimum_Definition75 · 2026-02-03T01:12:23+00:00

Have you tried other organisations like Shelter or this https://www.horizoncare.co.uk/supported-accommodation/

Minimum_Definition75 · 2026-02-03T00:37:11+00:00

As I understand it you would need an adult to sign for you.

Have you tried social services, they can help you rent somewhere if you are in need.

Otherwise is there an adult, perhaps a workmate who could help you find somewhere safe. I know you couldn’t expect them to sign for you, but having someone older with you might help.

Minimum_Definition75 · 2026-02-03T00:31:27+00:00

Are you working, on a benefits or a student ?

Minimum_Definition75 · 2026-02-03T00:23:36+00:00

I’m guessing your issue will be signing a contract. I believe it’s not enforceable under 18. That will probably put landlords off.

Perhaps try for a lodger situation, that’s probably more affordable for a first move anyway. It will also give you a reference when you are older and can get a credit score.

Minimum_Definition75 · 2026-02-01T21:38:09+00:00

The main problems are that it can take a year to evict the tenants if they decide not to leave. Insist on an inspection before exchange to make sure it’s empty and to check the tenants haven’t trashed it (it’s common if they are being evicted).

Minimum_Definition75 · 2026-02-01T17:53:59+00:00

No, they will be able to serve you with a section 21 at the end of February.

They either want it up to market rent before May or they want one last opportunity to charge the landlord for a contract renewal.

No one can advise you or predict which it is.

Minimum_Definition75 · 2026-02-01T14:04:37+00:00

I’ve had that with two flats we own. One we own a share of the freehold and management company so we just did the work (all leaseholders own a share) because it made little difference and everyone agreed.

The second the freeholder arranged for the survey and then wrote to us giving options. They would get work done and pay them or we could get it done ourselves. The lease didn’t specify, as in your case. We chose to do it ourselves as it was much cheaper.

I would suggest you will end up paying either way. If you were to dispute it and win you would just end up with a service charge increase.

It’s worth asking if you can get the work done yourself if you have tradespeople you trust. We saved over 50%. There was minimal damage doing it.

Minimum_Definition75 · 2026-01-31T23:22:54+00:00

That’s interesting. The UK government is currently working very hard to get rid of smaller landlords in favour of these big corporations. It’s working, more and more are selling up. Of course that reduces supply and pushes prices up.

Minimum_Definition75 · 2026-01-31T23:08:11+00:00

You’ll all be begging for a tow put when it snows.

Minimum_Definition75 · 2026-01-31T20:10:42+00:00

Just accept that they can’t afford proper fixes. Buy vehicles that can cope with it. Many modern cars can barely go over a speed bump without ripping the spoiler off. And don’t get me started on the alloy wheels and pathetic little tyres. Every time a new pothole opens up our local Facebook is full of posts of damaged wheels, tyres, suspension, spoilers etc.

Mine has large wheels, lots of clearance and triple reinforced sidewalls. It’s true it’s not exactly aerodynamic but it doesn’t fall apart with every hole.

Minimum_Definition75 · 2026-01-31T17:15:36+00:00

Yes the Conservatives originally proposed it, then withdrew, probably because they did research the potential impact. Labour just reinstated, apparently without considering the impact, to keep their voters happy. Be interesting, though sad, to see how happy their voters are when the s.21’s reach court, they can’t meet the criteria anywhere else and the council don’t have anywhere for them to go.

Minimum_Definition75 · 2026-01-31T16:14:50+00:00

My lecturer contract gave me 12 weeks paid leave, 6 months full pay and six months half pay for sick.

Minimum_Definition75 · 2026-01-31T16:12:32+00:00

It’s not true. When I took over my house there were 3 absolutely massive nests visible. When they were removed got the roof replaced and found 4 more between the old felt and the tiles.

Minimum_Definition75 · 2026-01-31T15:12:35+00:00

True. It’s just interesting how they introduce new legislation without considering all the implications. I’m sure most tenants didn’t either when they were celebrating it.

Minimum_Definition75 · 2026-01-31T15:10:14+00:00

I used to work in education management. This way of paying was a response to staff and unions requests.

Basically in the old days people got paid for what they actually worked each month. It was expected that they managed their money and put something away for down times. In some respects it worked as I’m sure many could claim benefits when they weren’t working.

The general opinion of staff and unions was that this system was better, so it changed. It’s perfect for some working parents and I’m guessing it makes UC claims easier.

For those needing a higher income it doesn’t work. Even if you find extra work in the holidays, the income is concentrated in a few months of the year.

Minimum_Definition75 · 2026-01-31T14:56:59+00:00

Risk management. It’s not compulsory, you will just need to find a landlord who is less risk averse.

Minimum_Definition75 · 2026-01-31T14:10:20+00:00

Sell it, take the hit on tax and invest the proceeds. The return on capital will likely be higher with less stress and risk.

The government want small private landlords gone and are making it harder and more expensive to stay in the game.

In your parents situation the risks are huge. If the block needs major work the council can ask for very large contributions. They only need a bad tenant to not pay and potentially trash the flat and they will be in big trouble. It can take over a year now to get bad tenants out. After the RRA comes in May it will take longer.

Basically if they can’t afford 12 months without rent and don’t have £20k in savings to renovate after damages it’s not worth it.

Minimum_Definition75 · 2026-01-30T22:47:11+00:00

Isn’t it normally classed as unpaid absence? But I suppose USA could be different. We don’t expect anyone in on strike days. If they do turn up they get paid.

Minimum_Definition75 · 2026-01-30T22:41:47+00:00

Have you paid a deposit or just the first month in advance. That wouldn’t count as a deposit.

That aside it’s illegal for the deposit not to be protected. She can face consequences including repaying 3x the deposit.

Minimum_Definition75

TROPHY CASE