Council want document signed stating intention to let to tenant for 5 years?

Council want document signed stating intention to let to tenant for 5 years?

10:03 AM, 21st July 2015, About 9 years ago 20

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Th council want to remove old bath and fit level access shower facilities for one of my aging tenants to make it easier for him.sig

They want me to sign a document stating that my “intention” will be to allow the disabled tenant to live at the property for a period of 5 years once the work is completed.

My mortgage is with the dreaded Mortgage Express.

I would like to do it for the tenant but I don’t want ME using this against me if I have somehow breached their T’s & C’s.

Do you think it’s a good idea to allow this?

Many thanks

Fiona


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Comments

Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

10:52 AM, 21st July 2015, About 9 years ago

I wouldn't worry about signing this. You will be helping your tenant and you are under no obligation to change the terms of your tenancy. Your best intentions to allow your tenant to continue to occupy can still be changed without penalty.

I have signed several of these. My thought process is that the works add value to my my property and the tenant is likely to stay long term.

Go for it 😀
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Romain Garcin

11:21 AM, 21st July 2015, About 9 years ago

As I see it, the council agrees to fund improvements and you agree to keep the tenant for 5 years.
Therefore, if you do not keep the tenant for that agreed period then the council might be able to go after you to recover some or all the cost of the improvements.
Perhaps worth seeking legal advice?

11:45 AM, 21st July 2015, About 9 years ago

Oh conflicting comments there Mark and Romain. Thanks for your advice.

Will need to ponder this one.

Dr Rosalind Beck

11:55 AM, 21st July 2015, About 9 years ago

I've had the council do this kind of work without having to sign anything apart from agreeing they could do the work. I've also turned down the same scenario as I believe converting bathrooms into shower rooms decreases the value and appeal of a house. Just my opinion, although I did do a bit of research when I turned down the offer from the council and more people saw it my way. I suppose if your existing bathroom is a bit rough that could make a difference (no offence intended!)

11:56 AM, 21st July 2015, About 9 years ago

Without seeing the paperwork difficult to comment.

11:58 AM, 21st July 2015, About 9 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "Ros ." at "21/07/2015 - 11:55":

Yes existing bathroom is very old

Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

11:58 AM, 21st July 2015, About 9 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "Romain Garcin" at "21/07/2015 - 11:21":

Hi Romain

I did seek legal advice before I went ahead and was advised that I wasn't committing myself.

Perhaps we can agree that Fiona should take her own legal advice on the basis that the papers she has been presented with could be different to the arrangements that I agreed to?
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Romain Garcin

12:06 PM, 21st July 2015, About 9 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "Mark Alexander" at "21/07/2015 - 11:58":

Hi Mark,

You certainly have more experience than me, and I agree with you on getting legal advice based on the specific document Fiona got.

Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

12:11 PM, 21st July 2015, About 9 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "Romain Garcin" at "21/07/2015 - 12:06":

Are you calling me old? LOL

I might have 26 years of experience Romain but I still bow to your superior legal knowledge 🙂
.

Dr Rosalind Beck

12:11 PM, 21st July 2015, About 9 years ago

I would try a different tack. I'd say you've had initial legal advice saying this could possibly contravene your mortgage conditions so you can't put anything on paper, apart from signing that you are willing for the work to go ahead, and verbally say that you are not likely to ask your tenant to move out - especially if she is a long-standing tenant and get them to just agree on that basis. Good luck.

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