User Profile

[andybenw]

I agree that you should have a very careful look at the condition of the building and what maintenance has taken place historically. The situation may be an advantage if the freeholder is intent on keeping the building in good condition due to the number of leases he/his family hold. Equally if all...

[andybenw]

The BS has standards for audibility in bedrooms I believe. Can't believe the sensors inside the flat aren't combined sensors/sounders. Even a basic AICO sensor/sounder is extremely loud.

[andybenw]

Unless the other leaseholder/freeholder can produce some paperwork (participation agreement?) to prove otherwise, I think a payment probably is due. The other leaseholder bought a very short lease and, you bought a rather longer lease, caveat emptor. Of course 50 percent of any payment would go back...

[andybenw]

I think you need to give more details before anyone can answer properly. For example why the cement pointing cannot be removed. And as said above, it does seem really odd that a leaseholder is attempting to direct works when surveyors have reported to the freeholder. (I assume you are freeholder or...

[andybenw]

1. I would say if you do not have the money to properly upkeep your property, or live nearby so you can DIY it then you should really consider selling it. What happens if you have a future major problem you need to fix that you cannot DIY??...

[andybenw]

Just what I was going to say, attempt to get a Tree Preservation Order....

[andybenw]

You will get far more money renting 6 individual rooms. Couples who cannot afford a flat are not looking for rooms twice the price of an individual room. The only benefit I can think of is a smaller kitchen could more easily cope with 3 couples compared to 6 individuals. What about when a couple gets...

[andybenw]

Do the right thing and put in a bike shed. I find when showing HMO tenants they often query about bike stowage.

Asgard do a variety of secure powder coated metal bike sheds that last forever. I fitted one at my HMO and was impressed enough to fit another where I live. They've been going...

[andybenw]

If 6 flats over 3 levels is it really worth it. If 6 flats over 6 levels I can see the point, especially if top flats are constantly coming down to calls to accept deliveries for other flats.

[andybenw]

First. Has condensation been completely ruled out. I have a wall in my flat which exhibited all the signs of penetrating/rising damp (and still does). However we had a surveyor drill and test the wall to see if it was truly damp. It wasn't. A combination of the wall being particulary cold and salts...

[andybenw]

Victorian lime mortar building soak in moisture when wet then 'breathe' the moisture out when dry. The 'breathe out' phase happens mostly through the lime mortar. If the building has been pointed in hard cement mortar this can cause problems, especially if your walls do not have a cavity.
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[andybenw]

Toilet valves do not routinely need changing. In modern toilets the cistern inevitably requires decouping from the pan and then refitting and is well beyond the DIY capabilities of a tenant, indeed it could cause a major flood if done incorrectly.

This in my view was clearly the landlords...

[andybenw]

I think you've misread the OP's predicament and anything like that would make any buyer run a mile....

[andybenw]

I have a feeling there are maybe two sides to this story.


Try This assuming the other freeholder actually does want work done. Agree the work that needs doing with the other joint freeholder. Start a Section 20 Major Works process. This can then get passed on from the other freeholder...

[andybenw]

If your extra shower room includes a toilet I'd go for that. If it is a choice between 2nd toilet or 2nd shower then I'd go toilet every day of the week.

[andybenw]

Not requiring a licence though doesn't mean you can avoid HMO legislation. So you will still need all the expensive stuff that a Fire Risk Assessment will propose.