Category: Renting

From the latest adjudication report (August 2011 – pdf ) it shows just how important it is to get in writing permission from the landlord to redecorate. This should be done, and the proof kept safe.
Perhaps landlords when giving permission should ensure they give it in writing and perhaps add any specific conditions to it so that tenants are clear.

So if a tenant makes a request verbally then the landlord should issue them with a letter stating:

I give permission for redecoration of walls in these shades:
and for painting of skirting boards and woodwork in this colour:
If colours used outside this range the property must be returned to specific shade before end of tenancy.

Also from both tenant and landlord perspectives it’s advantageous to have photographic record of quality of paint work/decoration at start of tenancy. This ensures that true condition is known.

This landlord in Scotland was fined for making threats to tenants and has been declared as unfit to own HMO (Homes in multiple occupation).
Article on Landlord Today

Want to know more about tenancy deposits?

Your deposit must be registered with one of these three schemes

Deposit Protection Service (DPS)
MyDeposits
Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)

There are two types of scheme :- custodial and insurance-based. Any landlord can use the custodial scheme but there are some restrictions on who can use the insurance-based schemes

The only two insurance-based providers are:

MyDeposits
Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)
You can only use the TDS if you belong to an approved professional body – like a trade association – where members must have client money protection insurance.

The Deposit Protection Service (DPS) is a custodial scheme. There is no charge for landlords or letting agents to use the custodial DPS

The TDS produces a Adjudication Digest on a regular basis which gives anonymous examples of deposit disputes.

How much help with your housing costs can you get? It used to be called housing benefit but now it’s called local housing allowance.
You can work it out here – you need to know the number of bedrooms you’re entitled to, and where the property is.
LHA by postcode

Remember if a property says DSS welcome – they mean LHA – and you shouldn’t be paying more than the LHA levels either! Remember a negotiated rent reduction might mean it’s easier for you when you start work!

LHA bedroom calculator

How many people live in your household? Total
How many couples are in your household?
How many single people aged 16 or over live in the household (don’t include
anyone in a couple)?
How many children aged between 10 and 15 (inclusive) live in your household?
How many children aged under 10 live in your household?