The joy of being a landlord

[Hodders]

Well that was fun.

Our tenant (Recently divorced single mum and 15y.o. son) has just had their font door smashed down by the police. She was at work with son at home.

Son failed to answer the door so - SMASH. He has been arrested (no idea what for), poor mum came home to a wrecked front door and police tape everywhere and no son.

No idea if he will be charged and what for. Mum has paid to have the door replaced/made secure but not sure how I feel about them as suitable tenants. It's a really nice flat that we maintain really well (new carpets and redecorated only 9 months ago). Their rent has been paid like clockwork so no issues there.

I guess it depends on what ends up happening to the son - if no charges then fine. If "county lines" then not sure about renewing.

Thoughts?

 

[JonRGV250]

If they’ve kicked the door in it isn’t going to be over an unpaid parking fine.
Depends on how much trouble in the future you’re prepared to put up with.
Next time it may not be the police kicking the door in depending on what sort of trouble he’s involved with.
Personally I’d sit down with the mother and have a chat.
Being a landlord can be enough hassle as it is.

 

[Rroff]

" Remember, young people just need to work harder/give up avocado toast/move hundreds of miles away from family, friends and career opportunities"

In my day:
"you need to work hard at school/have a good work ethic/give up nights out cinema etc/save every penny you can/go to where the work is" doesn't appear to be much different, except we didn't sneer at it, we did it.

There is a lot of nuance being glossed over in that post.

 

[Mr Badger]

There is a lot of nuance being glossed over in that post.

Indeed. For the umpteenth time, no one is really claiming it was ever "easy" to buy a house. But it is a fact that houses are objectively less affordable now than they used to be. People working ordinary jobs in factories, offices, even retail, were able to afford houses that are now completely unaffordable to young people working similar jobs trying to buy a home today.

 

[OspreyO]

There is a lot of nuance being glossed over in that post.

People have got used to a very high standard of living. Their expectation is they will have the the same if not better standard than their parents. That it is their right. They are mistaken. They are outraged they will be poorer.

This is reflected in housing. Countries are building and legislating housing to a standard people can't afford. The global economy and empire building has made the movement of people cheap and easy. That has come home to roost. So have the perfect storm of increased demand that's beyond the industry to build for.

As for landlords in the UK you actually have a lot more latitude than in other countries to control your property. Other countries it's nigh impossible to evict troublesome tenants quickly.

 

[Rroff]

People have got used to a very high standard of living. Their expectation is they will have the the same if not better standard than their parents. That it is their right. They are mistaken. They are outraged they will be poorer.

This is reflected in housing. Countries are building and legislating housing to a standard people can't afford. The global economy and empire building has made the movement of people cheap and easy. That has come home to roost. So have the perfect storm of increased demand that's beyond the industry to build for.

As for landlords in the UK you actually have a lot more latitude than in other countries to control your property. Other countries it's nigh impossible to evict troublesome tenants quickly.

There is a lot more to it than that - people working in ordinary jobs around here can't even afford what should be ordinary housing never mind anything flash and even going without anything luxury it doesn't materially make it any more reality. The kind of houses, i.e. basic terrace houses, that my parent's generation could afford working an ordinary factory job, etc. are completely out of reach for someone in that kind of job now.

 

[OspreyO]

Indeed. For the umpteenth time, no one is really claiming it was ever "easy" to buy a house. But it is a fact that houses are objectively less affordable now than they used to be. People working ordinary jobs in factories, offices, even retail, were able to afford houses that are now completely unaffordable to young people working similar jobs trying to buy a home today.

Unless people have a time machine they are going to have to deal with the problems of today than instead of moaning about boomers. In the past You might have been able to afford a house if you had a job. But what if you had no job.

 

[OspreyO]

There is a lot more to it than that - people working in ordinary jobs around here can't even afford what should be ordinary housing never mind anything flash and even going without anything luxury it doesn't materially make it any more reality. The kind of houses, i.e. basic terrace houses, that my parent's generation could afford working an ordinary factory job, etc. are completely out of reach for someone in that kind of job now.

If an area or job becomes unviable you have to accept that reality. Looking back gets you nowhere.

 

[Rroff]

If an area or job becomes unviable you have to accept that reality. Looking back gets you nowhere.

But where does it stop? when ordinary people struggle to buy an ordinary house in an ordinary town in an ordinary area something is quite broken, and even the outlying parts where house prices used to be cheaper aren't much different any more.

 

[OspreyO]

But where does it stop? when ordinary people struggle to buy an ordinary house in an ordinary town in an ordinary area something is quite broken, and even the outlying parts where house prices used to be cheaper aren't much different any more.

I asked AI that question...Displacement and Relocation.

 

[JonRGV250]

But where does it stop? when ordinary people struggle to buy an ordinary house in an ordinary town in an ordinary area something is quite broken, and even the outlying parts where house prices used to be cheaper aren't much different any more.

It stops when we get a government willing to actually do something useful about it, so probably no time soon.
But it is what it is, and if it takes moving around to get a better job/cheaper property to get on the housing ladder then so be it.
I mean people could just sit around moaning about how broken things are, or they can at least attempt to do something about it.
Easier said than done I grant you, but certainly not unachievable, just depends how much you want it.

 

[Rroff]

It stops when we get a government willing to actually do something useful about it, so probably no time soon.
But it is what it is, and if it takes moving around to get a better job/cheaper property to get on the housing ladder then so be it.
I mean people could just sit around moaning about how broken things are, or they can at least attempt to do something about it.
Easier said than done I grant you, but certainly not unachievable, just depends how much you want it.

Cheaper properties often come part and parcel with more deprived areas with lesser job opportunities and you just shift the problem to another scale unless fortunate enough to be able to work from home, etc. and not everyone can do better jobs, etc. it might work for some people but it isn't necessarily an option for many.

Moving around due to economic factors, etc. isn't a particularly new phenomena but there are different nuances to it these days especially in a post industrial Great Britain.

 

[fez]

People have got used to a very high standard of living. Their expectation is they will have the the same if not better standard than their parents. That it is their right. They are mistaken. They are outraged they will be poorer.

Of course they are ****** off. "Work your arse off (both of you because you damn well won't be able to do it on your own with an average salary) and don't see the rewards". Added points for "And as we age into retirement we are going to make sure that the younger generation prop up our pensions, allowances and that we take as much as we can at your expense as we go out".

When they watch the generation who worked hard and was disproportionately rewarded for it continue to steal their future they do get a little miffed. I would suggest that feeling isn't entirely unmerited. When they see government policy being bent to favour the people who have little vested interest in the future and prosperity of the country other than their fond recollections about how "things used to be better" they might get a little ****** off.

The fact so many of the older generation have so little sympathy, empathy or understanding for the younger generation is exactly the reason we are where we are as a country.

Perhap the youngsters of today need to get together and say "**** the boomers" and vote in a party that dismantles all the benefits for the aging population and says "thought you were going to get free healthcare? Thought that was your right? Outraged that you paid your small amount of tax and aren't going to get everything paid for in retirement? Suck it up buttercup".

 

[JonRGV250]

What benefits do retired boomers get over everyone else, bar a measly state pension? Genuine question.
Also,how were they disproportionately rewarded? Things were how they were at the time, it’s hardly their fault if the standard of living was better then.
What’s your suggestion, reparations?
Btw I’m not a boomer and I do fear for our younger generation, and for reasons I won’t post here.

 

[Hodders]

If they’ve kicked the door in it isn’t going to be over an unpaid parking fine.
Depends on how much trouble in the future you’re prepared to put up with.
Next time it may not be the police kicking the door in depending on what sort of trouble he’s involved with.
Personally I’d sit down with the mother and have a chat.
Being a landlord can be enough hassle as it is.

I feel for the mum, her life has turned upside down and I can't imagine what it must feel like to have your son arrested in that way.

I agree that for forced entry it is not going to be a stolen push bike. Just really hope it's not drugs, or that he is released without charge. Smoke/Fire?

I think having a gentle chat is a good way forward.

 

[fez]

What benefits do retired boomers get over everyone else, bar a measly state pension? Genuine question.

Triple lock pension. Winter fuel allowance. Bus pass. Access to the NHS for treatments until the day they die at vast expense that they will, in almost all cases never approach having paid for through taxes. Expensive care home bills covered if they can't afford it or have moved their wealth to family etc.

Thats ignoring the voting for the party that will maintain the status quo in their favour.

By the time the younger generation get to retirement the pension will be a joke, the NHS will be dead and god knows what care level they will get.

Also,how were they disproportionately rewarded? Things were how they were at the time, it’s hardly their fault if the standard of living was better then.

Because they got a very high reward for working in very middling jobs in a lot of cases. Most people my age will likely have parents who have a very high standard of living vs their counterpart in current society. A mid-level civil service job and part time hairdresser would barely scrape by currently with 2 kids. My parents have an ex-council house worth north of £450k, both retired early, house paid off, 3-4 foreign holidays each year. Yes they were sensible with their money but how can you say that is not disproportionately rewarded vs their input.

What’s your suggestion, reparations?

No. Its making a society and future for the younger generation that isn't grim. Its not allowing things like Brexit to happen which massively and disproportionately effect the younger generation. Its funding education and the NHS properly. Its making unpopular decisions and ignoring the old men shouting at clouds because they don't like it. Its allowing things like the winter fuel allowance to be means tested properly. Its taxing the properly wealthy properly.

 

[JonRGV250]

I feel for the mum, her life has turned upside down and I can't imagine what it must feel like to have your son arrested in that way.
I think having a gentle chat is a good way forward.

Indeed, I think a little compassion will go a long way, that and at least you'll know the lay of the land.

 

[JonRGV250]

Triple lock pension. Winter fuel allowance. Bus pass. Access to the NHS for treatments until the day they die at vast expense that they will, in almost all cases never approach having paid for through taxes. Expensive care home bills covered if they can't afford it or have moved their wealth to family etc.

Yup, but what's the other choice, pull everything away from them? Ain't going to happen, like it or not.

Thats ignoring the voting for the party that will maintain the status quo in their favour.

Can you blame them?, would you do different?

By the time the younger generation get to retirement the pension will be a joke, the NHS will be dead and god knows what care level they will get.

If there even is a pension, which I doubt, and agreed with the NHS.

Because they got a very high reward for working in very middling jobs in a lot of cases. Most people my age will likely have parents who have a very high standard of living vs their counterpart in current society. A mid-level civil service job and part time hairdresser would barely scrape by currently with 2 kids. My parents have an ex-council house worth north of £450k, both retired early, house paid off, 3-4 foreign holidays each year. Yes they were sensible with their money but how can you say that is not disproportionately rewarded vs their input.

Because that's how it was then, as much as you or others don't like it, it doesn't change a thing.

No. Its making a society and future for the younger generation that isn't grim.

Agreed.

Its not allowing things like Brexit to happen which massively and disproportionately effect the younger generation.

In your opinion, and just because you don't agree with something doesn't mean it's wrong (that's all I'm saying on that, as this isn't the place on the forum).

Its funding education and the NHS properly.

Agreed with education, the NHS needs managing far far better and certain jobs within need culling (again this isn't the place for that discussion).

and ignoring the old men shouting at clouds because they don't like it.

Isn't that what you're doing?

Its allowing things like the winter fuel allowance to be means tested properly. Its taxing the properly wealthy properly.

I couldn't agree more with the WFA, taxing the extremely rich to death is bit of a tightrope walk, but yes.

 

[chrcoluk]

Theres no "right" to be able to afford to live where you grew up or where family or work is.

I think its reasonable to expect access to affordable secure housing in a civilised society.

If we build social homes, this in turn weakens the BTL market, those homes then get sold, then they increase supply on the owners market, meaning both markets improve.

I feel we need regulation in the house building market, reform on planning laws, and of course my favourite a massive ramp up of social housing.

I wonder if there is a figure % wise for how many private builds are BTL, it must be comfortable double figures.

 

[chrcoluk]

Well that was fun.

Our tenant (Recently divorced single mum and 15y.o. son) has just had their font door smashed down by the police. She was at work with son at home.

Son failed to answer the door so - SMASH. He has been arrested (no idea what for), poor mum came home to a wrecked front door and police tape everywhere and no son.

No idea if he will be charged and what for. Mum has paid to have the door replaced/made secure but not sure how I feel about them as suitable tenants. It's a really nice flat that we maintain really well (new carpets and redecorated only 9 months ago). Their rent has been paid like clockwork so no issues there.

I guess it depends on what ends up happening to the son - if no charges then fine. If "county lines" then not sure about renewing.

Thoughts?

I had an emergency, but when I was told I had a 4 hour wait, I managed to get my LL to send a maintenance guy round to unlock the door ready for them, saved a lot of hassle on the door at least.