Advice on what to do about landlord!

charlierogers · Joined: 30 Apr 2008 Posts: 2

I live in a shared house with some students. Most of them pay their rent when their student loan comes in, through cheque, however I pay monthly through bank transfers.

A week ago, I receive a call from my landlord asking for proof that I've been paying rent. Apparently the bank details he gave me 11 months ago are actually someone else's (his brother's account, I believe - he works with him as a landlord), and he wants to see proof of EVERY transaction I've made. When he called me about it, he was very friendly; saying things like "oh, I know you're up to date, but it'd help me out a lot".

I then find out that he's told my housemates that we will ALL be accountable if I can't prove that I've payed him everything! He said he doesn't trust me (!), and has asked people how they knew me in the first place. Slight change of tune!

Another housemate also pays him this way. She has been asked to do the same thing, but he has trusted her when she could only show him 3 statements.

I don't keep many statements, I'm sure I'm not alone in this - internet banking only shows 3 months worth. I spoke to my bank about all of this, and they have informed me that copies of statements cost £5 each.

He was supposed to come around on Saturday to see me and discuss this, but showed up on Monday and complained to one of my house mates that I'm never in. He never informs me of when he's coming (so much for 24 hour's notice!), and never sticks to an agreed time. He once went into my bedroom and mended a chest of drawers in which I keep my underwear without informing me.

Am I wrong for not keeping hold of these? As a landlord, you'd have thought he'd have kept a record of it, himself! If I had any idea this was going to happen, I would have paid an alternative way. I don't want to pay out £55 because he hasn't kept on top of his paperwork.

Is there anything I can do besides pay out?

bigblueeyes · Joined: 20 May 2008 Posts: 68

first off i would suggest a visit to the local citizens advice bureau, then return to your bank, ask to make an appointment with a personal advisor, if they're not busy they may even see you straight away, explain the situation and explain that you can not afford to pay for a years worth of statements, ask if they can give you a print out of all recorded transactions of that specific direct debit, they might charge but i would hazard a guess probably around a tenner.
it sounds like he has had a falling out with the brother and is having problems claiming his money but taking it out on you guys
hope it helps good luck

cragglemiester · Joined: 28 May 2008 Posts: 13 Location: North London

Banks can waive the fee - just tell them that you never recieved them and you need them for filing- when they explain the charge kick up a fuss and say you never sent them. I used to work for a bank so i know they can lol.

hope this helps

hugheskevi · Joined: 07 Jun 2007 Posts: 178

Don't even think about paying out.

You have made all the payments at the right time to the right account. There is no requirement on you to prove this. Neither is there any requirement to keep statements.

Your landlord is requesting proof, you have proof relating to the last 3 months readily available, and it sounds like you have sent that to him. That sounds reasonable.

You have established that it will cost £55 to provide further information he wants. So offer him that if he pays the £55 for it. If he won't, tough, there is no requirement on you to prove anything.

In the meantime I'd be looking for somewhere else to live too.