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[AlexR]

Join date Oct 2016 and no, I do not know OP but I am a student landlord and have seen how Estate Agents operate....

[AlexR]

I used to include a guest clause in the agreement and that worked ok for the mostpart. I always explained things at the start of the tenancy. You should be able to keep on top of things if you visit once a week.

I agree you should raise your rents to reflect the increased costs....

[AlexR]

The property was a student house and the landlord has been getting away with providing sub standard property which is not clean. It seems that he has missed the student market and has offered this property in its 'student' condition to the wider market and because demand outstrips supply the OP is forced...

[AlexR]

This explains everything...

[AlexR]

Not when the good stuff is flogged off at a massive discount - and not replaced...

[AlexR]

That is why the lists (in all areas) are so large. In London the differential between social housing and commercial rents is massive - even if I had accommodation I would get on the council list so that I could save maybe over a thousand a month and have a chance at a capital windfall in the future....

[AlexR]

The houses sold under RTB are not replaced so the council stock is reducing. Also this scheme is abused by many according to news reports. I think the scheme should at least be suspended in England as it is in Scotland and Wales and see if that helps anything....

[AlexR]

I updated an end terrace which was originally built around 1900 and I went straight for insulated plaster board on internal walls. The house is now an EPC C.

The cost of this will be prohibitive to most as I spent over the government recommended £10,000 on the property. The costs rise...

[AlexR]

Thank you for the clarification. I still maintain she should see a solicitor ASAP...

[AlexR]

Solicitor - pick up the phone right now...

[AlexR]

Can you see any black mould or have they shown you any damaged clothes? What sort of building is it, how old and is it insulated Is there any sign of water ingress from flat above, gutters or is there a chimney breast in room? Is the roof sound? Do the tenants use heating? Have they advised you of...

[AlexR]

Furthermore in a Victorian terrace or similar old style build where the insulation is bad massive amounts of heat can be used to try and overcome that feature. If there is any damp then that makes the house feel even colder....

[AlexR]

Yes this is essential - however it only controls the heat given off by the radiator when the heating is on.



Correct it is almost impossible.

Normally you fit a programmable thermostat and fix the times of the heating coming on and maximum temperatures at certain...

[AlexR]

This is an unrealistic goal

I would try researching first or even dealing with current problems that client has.

Ahem...have you read many of these forums?...

[AlexR]

I used to drive by each of my properties at least once a week. It's quite surprising what you can see - curtains closed in middle of day, bins still outside days after collection etc. The neighbours will be aware of what's going on so it is always good to make sure they have your contact details....