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Lyndon Baker

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my expertise in the industry

Lyndon's Recent Activity

My worst was accompanying a sales colleague when I worked for a corporate. The house didn’t smell and the dog was fine EXCEPT the place was heaving with fleas! When we came out, quickest look round ever, her legs had dozens of them up to her knees. I have found tenants with pets usually stay longer and, for the few properties that allow dogs, I insist the dog comes to the viewing. On the whole the dogs are better behaved than the children. On the abandoned dog issue, I think it is less a case of being bad - ten years of being bad - more a case of dog is not well and they cannot afford vet treatment. Pet insurance, certainly for dogs, is a must these days.

From: Lyndon Baker 08 July 2020 10:12 AM

Shelter believe that all evictions are unfair. It is their raison d’etre. Why don’t they spend some of the millions stashed away to actually house people? At least then they would know what some landlords are put through by their tenants.

From: Lyndon Baker 07 July 2020 09:36 AM

@Barry X One £843) is this year's monthly rent and £858 is last year's rent. IN both cases the deposit figures are wrong and do not instil much faith in them as a Deposit replacement company. The deposits should therefore be £972.69 and £990. Again this does not inspire confidence in the company and I will not be a client of theirs now or in the future.

From: Lyndon Baker 03 July 2020 21:20 PM

No response from NRLA?

From: Lyndon Baker 02 July 2020 09:37 AM

That will get Baroness Kennedy's knickers in a knot.

From: Lyndon Baker 01 July 2020 19:31 PM

Online searches are interesting. From Wikipedia: "In 1985 he co-founded an accountancy firm which became Murphy Deeks Nolan. The company was sold in 2000. Murphy was also the founder of a company that became the European distributor for the game Trivial Pursuit" "Murphy has since admitted that the manufacturing operation he set up in Ireland to manufacture Trivial Pursuit was there to avoid UK taxation, something of which he is now ashamed and was a turning point in his career towards anti-tax avoidance campaigning." "In 2009, Murphy lost a libel claim by Lord Ashcroft and associated businesses where he misunderstood an article posted on an unrelated website and published a blog post claiming that Lord Ashcroft's Belize bank provided "tax evasion services" "In August 2015, many of Murphy's ideas were taken up as proposed policies by Jeremy Corbyn in the Labour Party leadership election. " - THAT explains a lot. He seems a typical deluded left-winger that is not averse to making a bob or two on the side.

From: Lyndon Baker 29 June 2020 11:57 AM

Political advisor to Ed Milliband? Well she did a great job there, didn’t she? That sums up all that is wrong with her.

From: Lyndon Baker 29 June 2020 08:12 AM

Nver happen. Like Shelter, GR care about two things: Landlord bashing and a big bank balance. Actually houseing someone doesn't figure on their radar.

From: Lyndon Baker 27 June 2020 21:39 PM

@ Matthew Why do you think Cornwall Hospitals are refusing leave requests for October? I have had my Boris letter telling me I can go out again because the risk is low. Given my health issues catching it would probably be fatal so I shall be staying in. September is very optimistic.

From: Lyndon Baker 26 June 2020 14:11 PM

Much as I hate (not) to p*ss on your parade, Mark, our rents achieved are not down and are at the same level or higher than pre-lockdown. I can only speak for my agency and accept that others may have different experiences but it is not all doom and gloom.

From: Lyndon Baker 26 June 2020 10:00 AM

Don't want you to stop commenting Paul, just ignore MM and I don't mean Markle!

From: Lyndon Baker 25 June 2020 12:11 PM

@PossessionFriendUK PossessionFriend Could. Should. Won't. She is ex-Labour and they don't do well with facts or adnitting that they are wrong

From: Lyndon Baker 25 June 2020 12:00 PM

Do you mean the Baroness or Mad Mark?

From: Lyndon Baker 25 June 2020 11:49 AM

Paul, don't rise to his bait. Mad Mark only comes on here to wind us up instead of doing some actual work in his own business. If he is ignored he will get bored and drift away and give his "wisdom" somewhere else.

From: Lyndon Baker 25 June 2020 11:21 AM

“. . . stronger rights for tenants. I can’t wait to get stuck in”. Words designed to perpetuate GR’s contempt for private landlords. With Boris in office but not in power, there are rough times ahead for landlords. Will the last one leaving the business please turn out the light.

From: Lyndon Baker 25 June 2020 09:20 AM

@PossessionFriend Recently had some tenants leave and despite having an independent inventory we had the usual claims of "it was like that when we moved in" even claiming they adjusted the signed inventory. They went quiet when I sent a scan of the signed copy and time and date stamped photos disproving their claim.

From: Lyndon Baker 24 June 2020 16:09 PM

Paul, they are not the only council trying this. Two of the local councils I deal with are looking to house their homless with private landlords. One even has two logos on their emails: Black lives matter and Report a Rogue Landlord. They still think landlords will take them up on their offer after all their attacks on private landlords. My advice to any landlord thinking of taking up this offer is simple. He who sups with the Devil should have a long spoon.

From: Lyndon Baker 24 June 2020 13:00 PM

If only I was as perfect as you! Fixed it, now your post looks even sillier.

From: Lyndon Baker 23 June 2020 12:39 PM

So the motto is the same as I have been telling landlords for years, "Let in haste, repent at leisure".

From: Lyndon Baker 23 June 2020 11:21 AM

Paul, I stopped reading after the word Foxtons. My only experience with them was many years ago letting a flat to a young man in Bristol. I cannot remember why he failed but I do remember his sister ring up to tell me I was wrong because she worked for Foxtons! Actually she was in the wrong, legally and morally and I explained that just because she worked for a firm in London did not mean that she knew better that anyone else. They had an air of superiority in those days that still persists today. Not sure why because they have nothing to be superior about as thos court cases have shown.

From: Lyndon Baker 23 June 2020 11:17 AM

Porous borders? Paul, we have the Border Farce Uber Service gong out to sea, likking for them and bringing them here!!! THey should be turning them around or taking them back to that SAFE country called France.

From: Lyndon Baker 22 June 2020 13:14 PM

Unfortunately the Home Secretary, Ms Priti Useless, is full of hot air. She talks about sendng them back and the grand total of Channel Gimmegrants returned this year is ZERO!

From: Lyndon Baker 22 June 2020 12:58 PM

Sir Kneel Starmer will wait time see how much traction it gets before making a decision.

From: Lyndon Baker 22 June 2020 10:38 AM

PossessionFriendUK PossessionFriend Pen and paper? Some of them were still mourning the change from quill and parchment.

From: Lyndon Baker 19 June 2020 21:28 PM

Or find a good agent!

From: Lyndon Baker 19 June 2020 19:52 PM

Having worked in the Civil Service when younger I am aware of how easy it is for them to make errors. They lack commonsense for a start. The Boris Boxes, which those of us needed for a while, contained five apples and fve oranges. Why five you ask? Well the civil servants work Monday to Friday so that is five days. Their thinking is, to say the least, blinkered.

From: Lyndon Baker 19 June 2020 15:45 PM

The Government (in office but not in power) could easily rectify this by Statutory Instrument. Whether they have the will to do so is another matter entirely.

From: Lyndon Baker 19 June 2020 14:51 PM

If the property is empty - get it tested. If it was rented after 1st June 2020 - get it tested. That is the simplest answer. We know that the government (in office but not in power) will amend all the errors and it is likely that the operational date will be 1st June 2020.

From: Lyndon Baker 19 June 2020 14:44 PM

Thankfully they are in the minority. I have never had to stop a viewing because of the behavious of a dog, but I have because of the children.

From: Lyndon Baker 19 June 2020 14:00 PM

Don't mention the word "work" in connection with Social Housing. A conspiracy theorist would suggest that if social housing tenants died it would reduce the welfare bill.

From: Lyndon Baker 19 June 2020 13:58 PM

Just had one done on an empty proprty that has been let almost continuously for over twelve years. Cost to bring up to code - £780. One of the more minor problems, light covering in bathroom cracked and steam COULD get inside. A replacement light had already been purchased so they will swap when they do the work. Not expecting a bill that high, but if it needs to be done then so be it. While everyone can argue about the implementation date, if the property is empty just get the testing done.

From: Lyndon Baker 19 June 2020 13:08 PM

Tenants with pets do tend to stay longer simply because few landlords will accept them. Personally I’d prefer well behaved pets to children! Much quieter and cause less damage.

From: Lyndon Baker 19 June 2020 09:38 AM

Another advertorial. Good agents will already be doing this and keeping records of arrears etc so what he is really suggesting is that agents spend money with his firm. Does Cobbold also visit his grandmother and advise her on the best way to suck eggs?

From: Lyndon Baker 19 June 2020 09:35 AM

I note that the NRLA comment that, “Ministers remain committed to eventually getting rid of Section 21 altogether” and their wishy-washy response. Hardly fills me with hope so I think it will be SELL, SELL, SELL.

From: Lyndon Baker 19 June 2020 09:30 AM

THe NRLA should be shouting from the rooftops and challenging every false statement from Shelter, Generation Rent, Citizens Advice etc. When the Govermet first suspended S21, before suspending court action, the NRLA should have been pointing out that action already started would not be Covid-19 related and should proceed. Instead the silence was deafening. It now seems to be dawning on other causes that landlords cannot continue or start proceedings against rent defaulters, those gulity of domestics abuse or anti-social behaviour. Not just landlords will suffer thanks to Boris' b*llocks.

From: Lyndon Baker 16 June 2020 20:47 PM

But Shelter and Citizens Advice told Jenrick it was a good idea and there was nobody willing to offer a large donation to the Tory party to get him to change his mind.

From: Lyndon Baker 16 June 2020 11:59 AM

They are, as the saying goes, in office but not in power. THe majority of the press, civil service, judges, police, Shelter and Citizens Advice are now ruled by the left-wing so landlords are not welcome.

From: Lyndon Baker 15 June 2020 11:35 AM

@David Crisp, since the comment did not come from Mad Mark, I presume it was aimed at David Porter for suggesting we are lined up against the wall.

From: Lyndon Baker 12 June 2020 13:49 PM

It will only get worse when landlords like myself, leave the industry. I am sick and tred of being the punchbag for tenants, MPs, the Council, Shelter, Citizens (poor) Advice and now AgeUK. The charities are AWASH wth money and should buy a few homes and become landlords. themselves. At least then they would be actually helping the homeless instead of preaching about it. They are, as the phrase goes, all talk and no action. I remembere the pre-1966 HA days. My grandmother was a tenant and had buddleia roots coming through her kitchen roof every year. Black mould grew in the toilet through the stone walls because there was no ventilation. The landlord did nothing because he did not have to. My father and in later years I helped, cleared the roots and washed away the mould and repainted. Those days will return.

From: Lyndon Baker 12 June 2020 13:02 PM

@Luke - should be - perhaps, but it won't be. Judges will invariably side with the tenant who is on legal aid against the "fat cat" landlord. No EPC shown before they moved in, Gas Safey lapsed because of Covid-19 - in other words ANY EXCUSE.

From: Lyndon Baker 11 June 2020 14:42 PM

How does that work, Paul? Surely they have to go through the courts in the same way as landlords?

From: Lyndon Baker 10 June 2020 16:06 PM

In other, groundbreaking news, water is wet. Just be honest and call this article what it is, an advertorial.

From: Lyndon Baker 10 June 2020 08:53 AM

Anyone remember the television show with the catchphrase "Watch out, Beadle's about"? I long for the days when that phrase is feared by MPs and bad tenants instead of good landlords.

From: Lyndon Baker 09 June 2020 14:11 PM

These two women, Bleat and Guy, are a bigger cause of homelessness than Section 21. Neither woman has housed a single person yet landlords’ taxes support both organisations. The Government, by asking how high when they say jump, have proved that they have lost the plot.

From: Lyndon Baker 09 June 2020 10:21 AM

As he been seen in the latest protests that were allowd to virtually run riot, the Government has lost the ability to govern so is pandering to the lowest common denominator. SInce there are more tenants than landlords, the latter lose out in the mistaken belief that the tenants will vote Tory. Notonly will tenants NOT vote Tory, few landlords will now.

From: Lyndon Baker 08 June 2020 12:26 PM

I suspect that question was rhetorical.

From: Lyndon Baker 08 June 2020 12:22 PM

Sarah, I own, co-own and manage seven properties as well as working part-time for an agency I set up with a friend. Of my own there are currently two empty and a third will be next month. Nearly every enquiry is a benefit tenant, but there is no way I will take them since the odds are stacked against landlords and very much in favour of the tenants. At leas of a professional tenant goes into arrears you can issue a moneyclaimonline since they seem to be still working. With benefit tenants landlords have no hope, particularly at the moment. Even before this we all knew councils told their tenants to stay put until the bailiffs arrived or they will regard them as intentionally homeless. Yet the councils still wonder why the majority of landlords want nothing to do with them.

From: Lyndon Baker 06 June 2020 12:36 PM

Paul, I can only speak for our agency. We are a professional agency trading for over fifteen years. Our tenants are all either employed professionals or students with guarantors. Only one asked for a rent reduction which the landlord agreed to, yet they have all paid the full rent due, The general perception is that landlords are coining it in so deserve everything that is being thrown at them.

From: Lyndon Baker 06 June 2020 00:09 AM

Any professional landlord who lets to benefit tenants in the future will deserve everything that happens to them.

From: Lyndon Baker 05 June 2020 19:54 PM

Weell, I blame myself for voting for this shower! I had planned to sell if Corbyn got in. Now its looks as if I will have to sell BECAUSE Boris got in.

From: Lyndon Baker 05 June 2020 19:18 PM

@Paul Don't do yourself down Paul. I think many landlords will realise eventually that this Government is out to get them and will sell up.

From: Lyndon Baker 05 June 2020 14:42 PM

Paul, if you are a landlord you should not think that they are out to get you. You should KNOW they are out to get you.

From: Lyndon Baker 05 June 2020 14:16 PM

Regarding frogs, Paul, today the first of my froglets left the pond to seek their new life in the outside world!

From: Lyndon Baker 03 June 2020 16:19 PM

@ John McKay - well said.

From: Lyndon Baker 03 June 2020 12:21 PM

@Barry X What annoys me MOST is that this so-called Tory Government is giving away my taxes to Shelter, Citizens Advice and any tinpot dictator who wants foreign aid. Given the amount that the Chancellor has given away lately ths country needs to cut down on the freebies! The furlough idea was good, but it should have been tapered - 80% first month, 70% second month, 60% third month and so on. As it is, when the furlough ends, the money tap will just be turned off. It will be a shock to a lot of people includng my neighbours who have been on an extended holiday since lockdown started!

From: Lyndon Baker 03 June 2020 11:48 AM

Sadly this Tory government will always want to show their caring side to get away from the label of being the nasty party. They are also trying to pander to the youth vote, which is a total waste of time. The youth tend to be left wing, I know I was. I think it is part of the idealistic view that the young will change the world. As I grew older/up I realised that not everyone can be helped. I briefly saw a programme last night on benefit claimants. One was £30,000 in debt and still borrowing money. No job, three kids so decided to spend £150 per child for Christmas but ended up spending £250 per child. He had a demand for over £200 but brushed it off on the grounds that “it will cost them more than that to take me to court”. THIS IS WHAT GOOD LANDLORDS ARE UP AGAINST.

From: Lyndon Baker 03 June 2020 10:01 AM

Thanks, but no thanks.

From: Lyndon Baker 03 June 2020 08:46 AM

@Barry X - sadly the majority of that half are politicians like Citizen Khan who believe the Shelter and Citizens Advice that all tenants are good and all landlords are bad.

From: Lyndon Baker 02 June 2020 13:11 PM

Of course they want a permanent ban on Section 21. I am already selling one property. If this ban comes in, then the others will also go.

From: Lyndon Baker 02 June 2020 12:45 PM

@Barry X Mad Mark - I like it!

From: Lyndon Baker 01 June 2020 19:27 PM

David, probably landlords would then be subject to more clawback and the council will have two choices to recover monies: Option A: Pursue the feckless tenants who have moved on to other pastures of Option B: Pursue the landlord. Rarely do they choose Option A.

From: Lyndon Baker 27 May 2020 19:34 PM

NRLA or NRTA? If only they out as much effort into supporting landlords.

From: Lyndon Baker 26 May 2020 08:44 AM

From: Lyndon Baker 21 May 2020 14:47 PM

Paul, as you know I am an online agent and I can confirm that only one tenant has asked for a rent to be reduced temprarily. The rest are all paying on time, even in advance in some cases - I guess not all agents (on or offline) are the same.

From: Lyndon Baker 21 May 2020 13:46 PM

@Gordon Brown - why class all online agents the same. That is as silly as saying all landlordds are bad because of a couple or all agents with offices rip you off because they have to pay business rates.

From: Lyndon Baker 21 May 2020 13:44 PM

Curiously they have "testimonials" saying they have been managing their properties for seven years!

From: Lyndon Baker 21 May 2020 11:46 AM

Shelter, Citizens Advice, LRU etc all DEMAND the Government supports tenants. NRLA however, PLEADS with the Government to support landlords. Notice the difference?

From: Lyndon Baker 21 May 2020 09:40 AM

I couldn’t agree more, Paul and you know I usually defend agents.

From: Lyndon Baker 21 May 2020 09:37 AM

@Richard. I agree with almost everything that you say except the failure of agents to fight back. Any agent challenging these people would soon be reminded that of course they wold take the side of their clients, the landlords. Also the vast majority of the tenants agents deal with are the cream. It is the feckless few that rant about landlords. The NRLA should be the ones fighting back, not agents.

From: Lyndon Baker 20 May 2020 11:15 AM

The most annoying thing about this woman and CA is that MY TAXES HELP FUND THEM. These so-called charities like Citizens Advice (unless you are a landlord when they will not advise you) and Shelter, is that they get money from the taxpayer.

From: Lyndon Baker 19 May 2020 14:27 PM

I think Alan Smith is Amina Gichinga in drag.

From: Lyndon Baker 18 May 2020 21:10 PM

Are you blind, Alan? The web is full of ways for tenants to contact landlords if they are having GENUINE difficulties in paying their rent. The NRLA even has template letters covering the response from the landlord. As for landlords having a mortgage holiday, you do realise that it is anything but a holiday? The interest still accrues and the payments due when the landlord does not have to pay the mortgage either have to be paid over the term of the mortgage OR the mortgage period is extended. Hardly a holiday.

From: Lyndon Baker 18 May 2020 20:25 PM

SAdly, David, in ther blind hatred of landlords, they fail to realise that when the good landlords are driven out by their campaigning, they will be left with the bad. The silence from the NRLA is deafening.

From: Lyndon Baker 18 May 2020 12:22 PM

Dan Wilson Craw, very apt name since he certainly sticks in mine. He claims, without any evidence whatsoever, that there are “thousands of renters stuck in unsuitable homes”. Craw doesn’t even say why they are unsuitable. That could be because the tenant is in a property now too small for their expanding family, but that would not permit him to imply that the landlord is at fault.

From: Lyndon Baker 15 May 2020 09:14 AM

How kind of Shelter. Perhaps agents could get together and produce a guide for charities on how not to be total knobheads when dealing with landlords and agents.

From: Lyndon Baker 15 May 2020 09:01 AM

Any landlord banking with Nationwide is essentially a turkey voting for Christmas. Nationwide also donated their advertising slots to that well-known friend of landlords and agents, Shelter!

From: Lyndon Baker 15 May 2020 08:59 AM

"Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick says the government is “thinking carefully” about what more it can do for private tenants" NOT A DAMN WORD ABOUT WHAT THEY CAN DO FOR LANDLORDS!

From: Lyndon Baker 14 May 2020 12:54 PM

Ah, a surveyor! No doubt one of those that calls agents asking for comparables . . .

From: Lyndon Baker 14 May 2020 12:52 PM

No, John, most sensible people think that.

From: Lyndon Baker 14 May 2020 12:49 PM

Well said, John. Are we sure they are a "retired" agent or, more likely, an ex-agent.

From: Lyndon Baker 14 May 2020 12:48 PM

Where is your proof?

From: Lyndon Baker 13 May 2020 13:54 PM

It would be nice to hear the NRLA (and the government) tell these freeloaders that the VAST MAJORITY of responsible tenants are paying their rent or have arranged reduced payments while their income is affected. I bet that those shouting for rent to be suspended are those who take from the public purse and give nothing in return.

From: Lyndon Baker 13 May 2020 13:46 PM

As the phrase goes, “Well, they would say that, wouldn’t they”. A permanent evictions ban? How do these morons think that would work?

From: Lyndon Baker 12 May 2020 09:12 AM

I would, but I don’t use Facebook.

From: Lyndon Baker 11 May 2020 23:34 PM

ARe you really Polly Neate?

From: Lyndon Baker 11 May 2020 21:17 PM

Keep reading, Matthew. "The things that we have treated as stores of value - which are mainly shares and both commercial and residential property - are massively overvalued now." "But I stress, even if we are concerned that the property sector might collapse that is not a reason to priorities the interests of landlords. They have to be at the bottom of the pile for support right now. In other words, the government has everything the wrong way round." Dear Lord, if talking was an Olympic sport, Richard Murphy would take Gold, Silver and Bronze.

From: Lyndon Baker 07 May 2020 12:30 PM

I couldn't disagree more, Paul. Small, independent agents are able to be more flexible that corporate agents.

From: Lyndon Baker 06 May 2020 11:34 AM

Paul, we are not experiencing the mass rent defaults that you suggest. Yes, there is a reduced income stream, but we have a duty to our landlords. Landlords have a legal duty to maintain the property, whether the tenant pays rent or not. An agent contracts with the landlord to provide a service and, if they find that is unsustainable financially, should give notice to the landlord. Personally I blame the Government 100% for this because they used the words "Mortgage HOLIDAY" rather than something like Mortgage payment deferral. The words holiday suggests a payment free period without comeback when, as landlords and agents know, interest still accrues and that the missed payments have to be paid, either by increasing the term of the mortgage or increased payments. Both of those facts escape the defaulting tenants and their co-conspirators, Shelter (who don't) and Citizens Advice.

From: Lyndon Baker 06 May 2020 10:57 AM

@Paul Barrett That, Paul, is the difference between a good agent and a poor agent. A good agent will support their client landlord rather than leave them high and dry.

From: Lyndon Baker 06 May 2020 09:43 AM

Paul, as you know Letting Agents collect commission on rents received, not rents due. So if not rent is paid, the agent doesn't get paid. Any landlord that signs a contract with an agent who charges commission on rents due DESERVES to be sued by the agent.

From: Lyndon Baker 05 May 2020 19:49 PM

I had to check the date THREE times to make sure it wasn’t 1st April. The kindest expression I can use for the Affordable Housing Commission is numpties. AHC now stands for Association of Hopeless Cuckoos.

From: Lyndon Baker 05 May 2020 10:24 AM

Well said, Barry. Trying to think of someing I disagree with, but nope, nothing to disagree with.

From: Lyndon Baker 01 May 2020 15:13 PM

You forgot to add, "IMNSHO".

From: Lyndon Baker 01 May 2020 13:44 PM

Barry, I assure you that many people will read your post and I thank you for it. May I also wish you well during your treatment. Sadly you are correct. The Tories are chasing the votes of the young renters who are unlikely to vote for them until they have, as Judge Judy would put it, been properly cooked!

From: Lyndon Baker 30 April 2020 18:58 PM

Sorry to disagree, but it is none of the tenant's business. You are talking about two separate contracts: Contract 1: Landlord contracts with mortgage company to pay the mortgage etc Contract 2: Tenant contracts with landlord to pay rent for the property and the landlord agrees peacuful enjoyment and to maintain he property etc. There is no right to know how the landlord financed the purchase.

From: Lyndon Baker 29 April 2020 11:52 AM

So a self-styled expert dows not understand that a mortgage holiday is not what it sounds like. Payments are simply suspended wth interest still accruing and payments either increasing or or the payment period to be extended. The money STILL HAS TO BE PAID. As others have said, my finances are MY BUSINESS and nothing to do with the tenants. NO doubt SHelter, who do not shelter anyone, will pick this as their next campaign - tenants must have the right to see the landlord's finances regarding the rented property. ONly joiking - I hope.

From: Lyndon Baker 29 April 2020 11:47 AM

That's easy, "Because the tenant said it was". Typical Labour supporting those who won't pay rent at the drop of a hat. The VAST MAJORITY OF TENANTS are responsible tenants and are doing their best to pay rents due. They also, when it is explained to them, understand that a "mortgage holiday" is not a holiday, but deferred payment with interest still being charge and the mortgage payments being either increased or extended to cover the misnamed holiday.

From: Lyndon Baker 29 April 2020 11:40 AM

Looks like the NRLA may be standing up for landlords at last.

From: Lyndon Baker 27 April 2020 11:39 AM

@ Paul Barratt I have ti turn off the television when thay see you next Tuesday from Shelter appears. Having a heart condition the lies he spouts just takes my blood pressure up to boiling point and beyond. *SHELTER HAVE NEVER SHELTERED ANYONE, EVER! Why do politicians suck up to them so much? *possible exception being Polly Neate who gets hundreds of thousands of pounds from the charity trough.

From: Lyndon Baker 24 April 2020 19:53 PM

I would not say that there is discrimination against non-British applicants, but faced with two equal applicants where one is British and one is not, I daresay that most would prefer the British applicant. Why are we doing the work of the Immigration staff? If there was proper immigration control at aiirports and the Border Farce was less of a taxi service in the Channel, there would be no need for us to check their status.

From: Lyndon Baker 22 April 2020 12:20 PM

You mean a bit lke the Shelter ads which were donated by Nationwide? I had to stop watching them on medical advice - raised my blood pressure too much.

From: Lyndon Baker 14 April 2020 11:13 AM

I love that quote, "JUST three months' notice". That could be another three months rent not paid and, no doubt, this bleeding heart Government will extend that to four months (or more) if they are pressured enough by Shelter etc. Do landlords realise that the adverts for Shelter's begging bowl have been donated by Nationwide? IF you have an account with them - close it and tell them why.

From: Lyndon Baker 09 April 2020 11:44 AM

If your agent doesn’t believe that a leak from one flat to another is essential work, then find another agent! The leak is damaging your property.

From: Lyndon Baker 05 April 2020 14:37 PM

Let's hope they remember that they are a LANDLORD's Association and start standing up more for Landlords.

From: Lyndon Baker 02 April 2020 11:04 AM

"landlords, many benefiting from a mortgage holiday"? Have I missed something? Mortgage payments are deferred whcih means pay extra to catch up or add to the term. That is not a holiday. Just imagine, this idiot could have been Chancellor of the Exchequer had voters not seen sense.

From: Lyndon Baker 02 April 2020 11:01 AM

Get another agent - fast! Check their contract with you - it probably says 10% of monthly rent received so they get 10% of whatever rent you get. Otherwise they could still charge you even if the tenant stops payng.

From: Lyndon Baker 02 April 2020 10:55 AM

Sadly the goverment has no money. The money these leeches get is from taxpayers including landlords and letting agents. They should be taken off the list of charities, they are running a business.

From: Lyndon Baker 31 March 2020 20:30 PM

Does anyone else find the Shelter advert sickening and raising their blood pressure? Those parasites have not housed a single person and are sitting on millions!

From: Lyndon Baker 31 March 2020 20:12 PM

Not to mention increased losses for those landlords who are seeking possession because of rent arrears, damage, anti-social behaviour etc. I fear this is going to affect the market more than Government realises and the three month notice will become a permanent fixture. Remember Income Tax was supposed to be temporary!

From: Lyndon Baker 27 March 2020 11:00 AM

@ PF Sadly yes. I put them on a par with each other.

From: Lyndon Baker 26 March 2020 18:53 PM

Citizens Advice, a charity supported by taxpayers that discriminates against landlords by refusing them any advice because they are "businesses".

From: Lyndon Baker 26 March 2020 12:11 PM

This is a temporary amendment. Just as Income tax was meant to be temporary. I suspct Sectio 21 will stay, but with three months notice.

From: Lyndon Baker 26 March 2020 11:59 AM

Typical knee-jerk reaction. So someone who has thousands of pounds of rnt arrears will be stuck with a free-loading tenant until this is over. I watched PMQs and listened to a Labour MP give to examples of Section 21 with no details as to why her constituents were being evicted. I realise that S21 is considered "no fault", but I bet she knew why they had been given notice.

From: Lyndon Baker 18 March 2020 12:42 PM

Flash Mob bully boys (and girls) in action again.

From: Lyndon Baker 05 March 2020 09:46 AM

Will Katrine Sporle put her money where her mouth is, invest in a property and let it out to DSS tenants? She has no actual experience of the rental market. Typical "Those who can, do. Those who cannot, preach!". Luckily Benefit tenants cannot afford to rent any of my properties.

From: Lyndon Baker 05 March 2020 09:44 AM

When they do, it should be called the Richard Murphy Scale of Stupidity!

From: Lyndon Baker 05 March 2020 09:30 AM

Having dealt with students/Universities I am firmly convinced that whilst they and ther professors may well be intelligent, they totally lack commonsense.

From: Lyndon Baker 26 February 2020 14:27 PM

I don't have that problem. I only house professional, working tenants.

From: Lyndon Baker 26 February 2020 14:22 PM

In other words, this is an advertorial. Does any agent like to keep a property empty for a day longer than necessary? An empty property means no income for the landlord and no income for the agent.

From: Lyndon Baker 20 February 2020 10:23 AM

So the tenants have this explained to them, they are given T & Cs and still the tenants and these no-deposit firms blame the agents! I will avoid no deposit schemes like the plague (or coronavirus) but would recommend that any firm using them get the applicants to sign a statement to the effect that they have read the T & Cs and understand that their payments are not refundable and they will still be liable for damages etc at the end of the tenancy.

From: Lyndon Baker 11 February 2020 12:08 PM

I own a house in Penzance that is rented out. Would I let Cornwall Council or their agents put homeless tenants in there? Hell would freeze over first!

From: Lyndon Baker 11 February 2020 12:04 PM

A blanket ban on pets in a tenancy agreement is one of the examples of an unfair term and it is suggested that the clause reads similar to, "Will not keep any animal without the written permission of the landlord which shall not unreasonably be withheld". Obviously consent can be reasonably witheld if a head lease bans pets, as is the case with two on my flats, or if the landlord is letting their own home with the intention of returning and has a pet fur allergy. Sadly, as it typical with the Government, thy went vote chasing rather than listen to those who had knowledge of the industry. It would have been and still is, so easy to add the creatoion of a separate pet deposit of two or three weeks rent. It would be the sensible thing to do, so of course they won't do it.

From: Lyndon Baker 10 February 2020 10:54 AM

An advertorial winning the Febriary award for stating the bleein' obvious and advertising his inventory firm. "Due to the variables of rental properties, animals and tenants themselves, it seems only right that landlords are able to make decisions on accepting pets on a case by case basis". Do landlords and agents not do this already? I expect to see how well behaved the dogs are and the children if any. I have stopped more viewings with uncontrollable children than dogs! Unfortunately I cannot, because of head lease clauses, permit pets in some of my flats, but my former family home (a semi-detached house) has always had tenants with pets.

From: Lyndon Baker 06 February 2020 09:18 AM

FAO: Paul Gadsby, Good Luck protecting tenants' rights when the landlords sell up and move to another London borough.

From: Lyndon Baker 06 February 2020 09:04 AM

Isobel Thomson?

From: Lyndon Baker 22 January 2020 12:06 PM

Perhaps Shelter are the cause of housing related worries: Search Daily Mail for Why did Shelter back a squatter in my dad's house?

From: Lyndon Baker 15 January 2020 09:16 AM

Strong and stable - wasn't that Theresa May's mantra? How did that work out?

From: Lyndon Baker 08 January 2020 09:26 AM

@ Possessionfriend etc I once went to value a property with a colleague from sales because the owner occupiers were moving and could not decide whether to sell or let the property. There was one rather tired spaniel lying in the lounge, As we walked across the floor to the kitchen we could see the fleas jumping, When we left my colleague was brushing the fles off her stockings. I was lucky since, being male, I wore trousers. I felt sorry for the dog. I have six dogs and numerous cats and ALL are flear treated on a regular basis.

From: Lyndon Baker 06 January 2020 20:06 PM

Does Jenrick have ANY experience of being a landlord? I suspect not. As usual, those who can, do; those who cannot, preach.

From: Lyndon Baker 06 January 2020 12:32 PM

The MHCLG says measures already undertaken include “banning unfair letting fees and capping tenancy deposits, saving tenants across England at least £240m a year” just shows how out of touch they are. Banning tenant fees has pushed up rents. Agents are facing increased costs from property portals - ours has just increased by £50 pcm so who do they think will have to pay? Landlord will, as I have done, increase the rents to compensate. I have a tenant who signed the tenancy on a Saturday but by the Monday decided he didn't want to continue with the tenancy for "personal reasons". I have tenant insurance so he is aware until he is replaced he has to pay rent, council tax etc or the insurers will go after him. I still have to pay for the new tenant to be referenced, check in and out feers etc plus my time! Mind you, it could have been worse, Commie Corbyn could have won the election.

From: Lyndon Baker 06 January 2020 12:29 PM

That bottomless pit of cash is OUR bottomless pit.

From: Lyndon Baker 06 January 2020 12:11 PM

Paul, Have you ever had a budgie? They fly around and poop anywhere, plus can tear v=curtains to shreds with they beaks and claws. As for a small dog v large dog, I have both small and large. The ones that make most noise are the small ones because they react to the small dachsund next door in an owner occupied flat that is left alone for long periods of the day. Bring an animal lover I do try, where the property is suitable, to persuade the landlord to advertise as pets negotiable. I insist that all cats are neutered and that the dogs attend the viewings. So far the dogs that attend the viewings are better behaved than the children. Jenrick really needs to to his homework though. Currently a NO PETS clause is regarded as unreasonable unless the words, WITHOUT the landlords consent (which will not be unreasonably witheld) are included. To me that says that only in certain circumstances can a landlord refuse a pet and those to anyone with commonsense, that excludes Goverbment Ministers immediately, would include landlords with allergies, head lease restraints and suitability of the property. A separate pet deposit would be a good idea, but until then an extra £25+ pcm would be a start.

From: Lyndon Baker 04 January 2020 18:16 PM

What a surprise said nobody in the industry. It may have surprised Polly Neate though!

From: Lyndon Baker 30 December 2019 19:55 PM

Found and signed.

From: Lyndon Baker 30 December 2019 18:53 PM

Of more significance and importance would be the number that were upheld. It is easy to complain, not always so easy to substantiate.

From: Lyndon Baker 23 December 2019 19:46 PM

Once the process starts at least one of my tenants will receive a S21 before it is abolished. A short letter will accompany it informing the tenant that they should thank the Rogue Charities Shelter, Generation Rent and AgeUK who have campaigned for this. Given the proce I anticipate that it will not be attractive to investmet landlords so another loss to the rental market. As you say, they will reap what they sow.

From: Lyndon Baker 20 December 2019 15:16 PM

Prove it, Polly or is it that you need a pay rise?

From: Lyndon Baker 19 December 2019 18:05 PM

Calm down, Paul, it is bad for your health.

From: Lyndon Baker 19 December 2019 18:03 PM

Not sure why Boris feels the need to placate Generation Rent. Their members will never, as Boris put it, "Hold their noses and put a cross against the Conservative candidate".

From: Lyndon Baker 17 December 2019 13:35 PM

So the RLA have rolled over and accepted the loss of Section 21? Well if/when the abolition of Section 21 appears on tbe Parliamentray timetable, my tenants will be getting Section 21s and I will save money on my RLA/NLA membership since I will no longer be a landlord.

From: Lyndon Baker 16 December 2019 13:14 PM

Perhaps not, but if Corbyn gets in we will have to provide free toilet rolls! Do they still make Izal?

From: Lyndon Baker 11 December 2019 11:14 AM

Just considering?

From: Lyndon Baker 06 December 2019 15:09 PM

Why has the council not issued an IMO if he is such a repeat offender?

From: Lyndon Baker 27 November 2019 16:28 PM

They obviously attend the Diane Abbott School of Mathematics. I can guarantee that the minute the abolition of Section 21 looks certain, there will be 4 tenancies getting a S21 and 4 properties for sale.

From: Lyndon Baker 20 November 2019 08:49 AM

His estates form part of a trust so he doesn't actually inherit very much, There is nothing stopping anyone doing the same with their family home. I paid no inheritance tax when I inherited my family home because it was worth less than £475,000.

From: Lyndon Baker 01 November 2019 11:05 AM

The Government is the taxpayer. I'd prefer to see Shelter and Citizens "exc landlords" Advice picking up the tab since they are so keen on abolishing it.

From: Lyndon Baker 17 October 2019 12:30 PM

From: Lyndon Baker 14 May 2019 11:16 AM

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