Written by John Kruse, one of the leading experts on Bailiff Law, this consumer friendly guide is essential reading for anyone who comes into contact with a bailiff.
The book is easy to understand and clearly explains the rights
a bailiff has, and also what they cannot do when collecting debts and repossessing goods etc.
OK - moved in April 2006 with a lease that stated rent of £350 pcm (per calendar month - important that!) which I duely submitted to the council for a housing benefit assessment. This was assessed and payments were made every 4 weeks (added up to the right amount just the council pays every 4 weeks). In the mean time she kept chasing me for money saying that she was short by approx £28 per month. So I paid her and figured it was anything for a quiet life and decided to take it up with the council later.
Finally remembered to talk to the council and was told that they were paying the rent as stated in the lease when I realised that she'd gotten confused between calendar months and 4 weekly payments. The payment dates she'd given me were every 4 weeks.
So I spoke to her and she called me all kinds of highly offensive names and we left it that she was right and I was an idiot!
Got my new lease today with a rent increase - letter dated 01/08/2007 and hand delivered by one of her employees on the 23rd (we live above the shop so it's not exactly hard for her to put the lease through the door)! The lease has been hand altered from the 7th April 2007 to the 1st September 2007 (without a signature by the crossing out) and instead of my girlfriends name it says 2nd tenant! She's also written a note on the top stating she's taking me to court in 7 days if I don't clear the rent arrears - which don't exist!
I called the council to ask their advice and they told me to put it all in writing to them and that they'll investigate - they also informed me that a 21% rent increase isn't considered a fair increase and they'll be investigating that as well!
Will be going there tomorrow to hand over all the info I've got - should be good for a laugh!
If only I could find somewhere else to live I would but being a full time student and carer for my girlfriend with 3 kids and a horrific credit rating thanks to my ex husband has made it impossible.
I'm sure she doesn't know what she's doing
by the crossing out) and instead of my girlfriends name it says 2nd tenant! She's also written a note on the top stating she's taking me to court in 7 days if I don't clear the rent arrears - which don't exist!
Reply With Quote