UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi as of 1st April 2013 the councils are not allowing a council tax free period on rented accommodation.  Previously the councils could allow up to six months exemption to decorate/ sort out etc.  From my understanding and from a conversation I had with local council, the landlords are to pay immediately a tenant vacates.  I was asked if the property was furnished or unfurnished does anyone know if this makes a difference to whether the tax is payable immediately?



My tenant is going shortly and my beautiful flat, which I designed and converted, is riddled with damp and mould in all the classic places.  I tried everything to be reasonable but tenant insists must dry clothes constantly in flat.  I have bent over backwards providing de humidifier, three humidistat extractors. Guy is fitness fanatic so wet gym clothes as well as others constantly about the place Flat never had this problem with other previous tenants.  Have even offered to re decorate at my expense but never a convenient time for me to go in. Its a nightmare.  Finally warned that he will lose money from deposit (with DPS) if the damp and mould continues to grow unhindered.  I have signed inventory with photos of immaculate flat the day he moved in.  Now threatening me with small claims if I apply to DPS for cost of work needed!!!  This person is a trainee Bank Manager.   Thankfully he is going in April.  I will be wary of prospective tenants who say" lived with relative" on ref checks in future.  This guy has been so dishonest it turns out and he completely hoodwinked my agents who are very good at sussing folks out.  Apparently he has no need to get a good ref from me as he says he's buying place but who knows if that's the truth?!!  Am relieved hes going but makes you feel very sad when you are genuinely trying to  provide beautiful places as homes for folks. 

if its furnished you have to pay if not you dont so really better to rent unfurnished. but make sure they take all their c**p with them because those sneaky council tax lot go and look in windows!!

let the trainee penass take you to small claims it will only cost him not you if what you say is correct about him causing the mould.
it amkes you sick doesnt it. listen joe the cat its time you got your claws out.
tenants all have fluffy white wings and sit on little clouds when they come to view- then they get the keys and turn into flat wrecking, lying, treachourous little B****ds ha ha.

sorry about that i've had a sheeeite day. took my one of my whinging alcoholic twats of a tenant to get his rent only for him to lose his card in the machine and then threaten to beat up the coop manager because it was his fault wasnt it. result = no money.