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[royw]

Actually BSE was 1996. How long ago is irrelevant, the point is they didn't learn. Mathematical models based on incorrect assumptions are always going to come up with incorrect results (bar the odd fluke)....

[royw]

I agree with OP. We haven't heard the other side of the story, the LL may be in a vulnerable category and want to self isolate. An NHS worker is the riskiest you can get. No one is coming into my own house until this is over.

[royw]

Really? I've never heard of that.
I don't think you'll get any of your deposit back....

[royw]

If they have right of access over the road then yes they can, a house built in the garden also has that right.

[royw]

In the current climate I would accept the half rent, or maybe see if you can negotiate a bit more. I'm not sure you'd be able to sell it for market value until the lock down is over.

[royw]

In the current climate a reduced rent might be better than no rent. If she goes you may find you're unable to get a new tenant until the lock down is over.

[royw]

I think the agent is correct and the contractor isn't liable. Any warrenty on the pump will be to replace or repare the pump only not on any damage it caused. Not sure what you mean by a threshold but as long as it won't look like a dog's dinner I'd go with that. In the current climate you may be short...

[royw]

With 'experts' like ours you don't need enemies. Ignore what you can see happened in China and Italy and what the WHO and every other health expert says and deliberately allow it spread to create herd immunity. I'm glad BJ listened to popular opinion and reversed this policy.
These are same experts...

[royw]

As a rule of thumb they say 2/3 coronavirus deaths are those who might have died anyway, 1/3 who wouldn't. Probably more of an educated guess than accurate reporting though.

[royw]

Let's hope that's still true in 3 weeks time. Looks a bit unlikely though, 181 deaths today.

[royw]

So let it spread first and impose the lock down when it's too late? Or have the lock down first (theoretical now as it's already too late) so have a small problem instead of a huge one. Would you think differently if it was your 18 year old daughter?

[royw]

In a couple of weeks I doubt anyone will refer to a low number of deaths. I have the opposite viewpoint, I don't think the government acting quickly enough. Whether or not you understand science we could all see what happened in China and then in Italy, it was only a matter of time before it happened...

[royw]

IMO the agent is wrong. Not only do you have the whole to pay but if you received it that day they must have sent it before the rent was due. Even sending by faster payments it can still a take a day or two before it appears in the receiver's account. I would ring him and clarify.

[royw]

I agree with Snorkerz. You should leave the property in the same condition you found it minus fair wear and tear. Dirt, stains and stickers on doors are not fair wear and tear so it is is your responsibility to either make good (too late for that now) or pay for someone else to do it.

[royw]

I think if you hold them personally it comes under unearned income rather than salary. You still get your tax free allowance though so will only pay tax on anything above it.

[royw]

That's a great gesture. I don't know the answer but perhaps investigate a holiday let. There are NHS staff who live with vulnerable people so perhaps this will protect their relatives as well as saving them the time and risk on public transport.

[royw]

Hire a van and move the furniture yourself?

[royw]

What about fire alarms? I test them with the tenant at check in and they sign to agree they're working.

[royw]

On the other hand the tenants are there and the LA has no agreement with you so you have the upper hand. Personally I wouldn't sign unless they remove it as it is an unexpected penalty. I don't use an agency so don't know if it's a standard term. The fact that they've done the work without a contract...

[royw]

Find a different plumber, an older one who is used to working with conventional boilers. It's perfectly possible and should be a good deal less than your quote.