shopper
22-05-2006, 20:24 PM
Hello, I have been reading the topics on this forum with a lot of interest and I wonder if there is anyone out there who could offer some advice.
I started a new business a few weeks ago, having spent the last 18 months unemployed. A basic (diy)lease was agreed and drawn up, I paid rent up front (1 month) the landlord was then called away, I moved in and business took off really well.
The landlord turned up and started moaning about the shop and how it had been laid out, mentioned the rent would be due and left. He turned up again about a week later (without any notice) at about 4.30pm and asked for his rent. I offered him a cheque which he refused, I also asked him to sign the lease agreement and to provide a rent book. He also refused to sign anything.
As he was really insisting on cash I said I would get cash for him would he phone and let me know when he would be coming and I would have it ready.
In the meantime I had a visit from 2 different bailiffs who both had enforcement orders for the property. I managed to convince both of them that the outstanding debt was nothing to do with me and one advised me to leave the property ASAP.
I tried to phone the landlord to tell him about the bailiffs and that the roof had developed a nasty leak that caused water to run through electrical sockets and light fittings. All I have is a mobile telephone number and when he finally responded to calls and messages he was really angry that I had spoken to the bailiff!
I never heard from him again until 6pm on a Friday when I received a phone call from one of the landlords relatives who demanded the rent immediately. Literally 2 minutes after the phone call I had a knock on the door at my home and a different relative said they had come to collect the rent.
I was a bit perplexed to say the least and said I would pay the landlord if he came to the shop. I had to go back to the shop in the evening to empty the buckets catching the leaks (it really is that bad) and I found that the landlord had been and fixed two large padlocks to the door of my shop.
He claims that this is because I owe him rent, which must be paid in cash before I can enter the shop and remove my goods. He also says a relative will come and make sure that I only take my goods out of the shop.
I know I've been had, and I know I've been incredibly stupid to say the least and probably I have done everything wrong, but it seemed a good opportunity at the time. I am seeing a solicitor but an appointment is 2 days away can anyone advise me in the meantime. I am really worried about the stock in the shop and I just want to get away from there.
Regards
I started a new business a few weeks ago, having spent the last 18 months unemployed. A basic (diy)lease was agreed and drawn up, I paid rent up front (1 month) the landlord was then called away, I moved in and business took off really well.
The landlord turned up and started moaning about the shop and how it had been laid out, mentioned the rent would be due and left. He turned up again about a week later (without any notice) at about 4.30pm and asked for his rent. I offered him a cheque which he refused, I also asked him to sign the lease agreement and to provide a rent book. He also refused to sign anything.
As he was really insisting on cash I said I would get cash for him would he phone and let me know when he would be coming and I would have it ready.
In the meantime I had a visit from 2 different bailiffs who both had enforcement orders for the property. I managed to convince both of them that the outstanding debt was nothing to do with me and one advised me to leave the property ASAP.
I tried to phone the landlord to tell him about the bailiffs and that the roof had developed a nasty leak that caused water to run through electrical sockets and light fittings. All I have is a mobile telephone number and when he finally responded to calls and messages he was really angry that I had spoken to the bailiff!
I never heard from him again until 6pm on a Friday when I received a phone call from one of the landlords relatives who demanded the rent immediately. Literally 2 minutes after the phone call I had a knock on the door at my home and a different relative said they had come to collect the rent.
I was a bit perplexed to say the least and said I would pay the landlord if he came to the shop. I had to go back to the shop in the evening to empty the buckets catching the leaks (it really is that bad) and I found that the landlord had been and fixed two large padlocks to the door of my shop.
He claims that this is because I owe him rent, which must be paid in cash before I can enter the shop and remove my goods. He also says a relative will come and make sure that I only take my goods out of the shop.
I know I've been had, and I know I've been incredibly stupid to say the least and probably I have done everything wrong, but it seemed a good opportunity at the time. I am seeing a solicitor but an appointment is 2 days away can anyone advise me in the meantime. I am really worried about the stock in the shop and I just want to get away from there.
Regards