Landlord Registration

[Shortia]

In Scotland, you have to register as a landlord with landlordregistrationscotland.gov.uk. I registered there last year when I started to rent out my flat in Glasgow.

Is there an equivalent in England?

The reason I ask - I went to rent a flat in Cambridge, I met with the landlady, a chinese woman, who put my finances totally under scrutiny....then she wanted to speak with my employer...and now with my current landlord.

Something dosent sit right with me about her....I was hoping there may indeed be some process of registration here in the South East so I can find out if she's legit or not.

[roryl]

There is not an compulsory form of Landlord registration but the local authority may have a voluntary registration process (possible but unlikely) so you could check there.

It may be worth putting the Landlord's name into Google, if they are particularly bad someone may have used the internet to vent about her. It usually works best for companies though but its worth trying.

The reason for the Landlord's hyper scrutiny may be that she has had bad experiences with Tenants in the past and doesn't want to get burned again.

You're right to feel like this now and it is best to err on the side of caution before you sign. This will be your home for the fixed term and there is not much you can do once you've entered into a contract.

[Shortia]

You're probably right. I think I've showed her everything possible to prove I'm financially secure. My wife is 7 months pregnant also, so, its unlikely we're going to be party animals trashing the place up.

It surprises me that there is no compulsory landlord registration down here. There really should be. Judging by some of the houses and flats I've seen in Cambridge, maybe this would prompt landlords into raising their game...seriously, theres some real ratholes down here.

[roryl]

Are there tenants currently in the flat? I know in student areas it is not uncommon for potential tenants to pay a private visit to the current tenants to ask how good/bad the Landlord is. I don't see why this can't make the jump to Private Lettings in general.

I'm certain there were plans to introduce Landlord registration in England but they were scraped by the new Government in a wholesale defenestration of laws relating to Private Lettings.

How well enforced is the registration in Scotland? I understand Scotland is slightly more progressive in some areas of Private Lettings but the laws aren't enforced that well (e.g. I read that Letting Agents aren't supposed to charge fees to Tenants but they apparently do so anyway).

[baldelectrician]

Scotland is usually faster and better with laws and regulation (no offence)


No Gazumping
Home reports here to stay (HIP's Equivalent)
Landlord Registration (and enforcement)
Building Standards (if you don't get permission when you do the work you have to comply to the regs in place when you apply for permission)
No Part P


The landlord registration has teeth here- the tenant has to complain to the landlord and the LL has a certian time to fix things.
The council have a private sector liason officer who deals with complains on behalf of the tenant.

They can also force a repair on the LL and the LL is liable for the costs :eek:

If the LL fails in his duties then they can remove the right to rent properties (ether direct or through an agent) as a last resort. This means the LL can not rent out any property anywhere in Scotland to a tenant

Quote
If the tenant notifies the landlord that the house does not meet the Standard, the landlord will have a duty to carry out necessary work within a reasonable time. It is now easier for private tenants to make sure their landlord complies with their repair obligations. Instead of going to court, tenants will be able to apply to the new Private Rented Housing Panel. (http://www.prhpscotland.gov.uk/prhp/1.html)

Better Renting Scotland (http://www.betterrentingscotland.com/prh/prh_dt_top_mainpage.jsp?pContentID=41&p_applic=CCC&p_service=Content.show&) website

[Always Problems]

who put my finances totally under scrutiny....then she wanted to speak with my employer...and now with my current landlord.
[/QUOTE]

I think that this Chinese lady is quite right. In the UK we are far too lacksadaisical about checking tenants out. You dont know if she has had any bad experiences with tenents. She may perhaps be intending to return to China for a year and your rent may be one of the most important factors.
I wish I had been more dillegant in checking out my tenants when renting my principal place. My letting went wrong and now I am much more cautious.

[Shortia]

i agree with being cautious and when I rent my property out I also exercise caution...though, my last tenant turned out to be a wolf in sheeps clothing.

I'm just puzzled by her level of scrutiny, everything was laid out in black and white for her....but she questioned my wages payments on bank statements such as 'Why it say here CHAPS credit this month...and the next month it have your company name?'

Seriously....how am I supposed to know that? She has spoken to my employer....spoken to my current landlord, seen my finances, seen my working contract....seen my wife is 7 months pregnant...seen my wifes working contract...

I really don't know what else she wants...she is clearly a mentalist, which is why we've started to view other properties again.

[roryl]

You have the right idea re: viewing different properties. If you're not comfortable with the LL, its probably not the best idea to enter into a contract with them.

IMO, there is only so far a tenant can have their finances scrutinised before it becomes violating. Especially considering a Tenant cannot do the same to a Landlord (e.g. do they have permission to let? have they ever missed a mortgage repayment? are they financially able to meet their repair obligations?).

[Shortia]

as the story goes...

I got an email from the landlady last night, thanking me for my interest in her flat and she wished me luck in finding other accommodation.

I don't know whether or not to feel offended or relieved. I get the impression had we lived there she would have been a massive pain in the arse. I can't help but think it may have been a failed attempt at a scam.

Many things didn't really add up - i.e. she wanted to meet in a pub to go over our bank statements (which I showed her but put a black score through all the account numbers). Also, she now says that she has given her property to an agency. From my experience, agencies are not that thorough when getting tenants in. They check if you can afford to live in the property and if you have a job...and thats pretty much it.

Speaking of failed scam attempts - check out this response I got from an ad I replied to:

Thanks for your email and it is my gladnes to hearing from you.I am Rev Tom,the owner of the Flat you are making enquiry of.Actually I resided in the Flat with my family,such as my wife and my only daugther before and recently we had packed due to my transfer from my working place and now situated in the Newcastle in USA, and presently my Flat is still available for rent for £450 per month including the utilities like hydro,washer and security,it is furnished.Moreso Now, i went for a Crusade in the West Africa and i will like you to get in touch with my wife in the US for more discussion as She is with the keys and the document to the house.Pls i want you to note that,i am a kind and honest man and also i spent a lot on my property that i want to give you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this Flat and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken,it is not the money the main problem but want you to keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i came for a check up.i do that once in a while.I also want you to let me have trust in you as i always stand on my word.Where are you located and where do you see our advert also let us know if you need more pictures.
Address of the Flat:- 6 Ascham Rd Cambridge CB4 2, UK
Email my wife Jenny on ( jme112729@gmail.com ) and she will attends to you better.

Rev Tom.
God Bless You.