bathlandlords.org.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to University?
First Bus operate two bus services to the Universities. Service 418 goes to both universities, and service 18 to Bath University only. The bus routes are shown on the 'Bath Network' and 'City Centre' maps issued by First.
What are 'mesne' profits
Mesne profits are sums of money paid for the occupation of land to a person with right of immediate occupation, where no permission has been given for that occupation.
This situation may arise where a landlord has obtained an order from a court for the possession of their land from a tenant who is to be evicted. Some time may elapse from the date of the court order -- which ends the tenancy -- and the recovery of possession by the landlord. The tenant owes no rent for the occupation, since they have ceased to be a tenant, but will be made to pay a charge, usually identical to the rent, which is known as a mesne profit.
In England and Wales the term occupation charge is becoming more usual as a result of the move away from Law French and Latin in the law.
Payment of rent for students
Student rents are generally payable in advance at the beginning of each term coinciding with the payment of Student Loans. Many students have found this to be beneficial as it can help with their budgeting. if a retainer is payable this may mean an additional small payment during the summer
Damage due to mould growth
Invariably tenants are responsible for any damages due to mould growth. Mould can be a problem in most UK homes due to our climatic conditions unless the property is managed correctly in regard to heating and ventilation. Houses that are completely clear of mould one year can be a major problem the following year with different tenants. Information sheets are available to tenants on how to avoid and manage this problem.
Am I responsible for a leaking shower?
This depends on the problem. Tenants are responsible for replacing the hose or handset if they leak. Invariably the problem is due to usage and not keeping them clean and free from limescale. If an ordinary shower valve leaks the tenant is probably not responsible. However if an electric shower starts to leak the problem is usually due to a safety pressure 'valve' operating as a result of a blocked hose or shower head. It is often necessary to replace the shower and the tenant will be responsible for this. Tenants are unlikely to be responsible for a leaking shower tray unless this results from some action on their part.
What about blocked drains?
Chances are blocked drains will be the tenants responsibility. There are two types of drainage systems, one to take away storm/rain water and one to take away foul or dirty water from toilets, sinks, baths, showers etc; although sometimes these systems are combined and storm water drains into the foul sewerage system.
The storm water system consists of guttering to collect roof water, down pipes discharging into gullys or traps, and underground pipes to take the water away from the property. The gullys or traps often become blocked with material collecting in them and they need clearing out as necessary. If they are blocked then the water will not be able to drain through them and they will overflow. It is rare for an underground storm water pipe to become blocked.
The foul water system consists of all the drains and pipes within the house serving the toilets, sinks, baths, showers etc. All these pipes usually collect into one main pipe that exits the house underground. It is common for sinks on the ground floor to drain through a pipe through the wall which discharges into a gully outside the house, which itself is connected directly to the foul sewer. Usually any underground pipes or gullys will join together at a manhole which will have a removal cover on it, usually metal but in some instances the cover may be concrete.
Blockages in the foul water system are fairly common. Kitchen sink traps become blocked with food debris and fat, shower outlets become blocked with hair and soap fats, toilets become blocked with excess paper and sanitary goods. Such blockages will be the responsibility of the tenants. It is extremely unlikely that a fault would occur with the internal pipework that would cause blockage that might be down to the landlord. Less often a blockage may occur in the underground pipes outside the property. A blockage will not be immediately obvious and may first be indicated by smells of sewage. If there is a smell to check if there is a blockage the manhole cover, if there is one, can be lifted to see if the pipe is running. If sewage starts to seep from the cover and gullys do not drain away the pipes will certainly be blocked. Sometimes the blockage may be some distance away from the property and affect others. In such cases the blockage is likely to be the responsibility of the statutory water undertaker (Wessex Water in Bath). If the blockage is in the pipe serving the one property then it will most likely be the responsibility of the tenant.
Problems with a Saniflo
If there is a Saniflo device fitted in the property it is the responsibility of the tenants to maintain this and pay for clearance of any blockages or repairs.