Owning your own home

I've known it be offered to secure a property over other prospective tenants paying monthly.

It could possibly work as a money launder if they pay up front for a year and then install their own tenants who pay them cash monthly.

Pretty risky though. Subletting would presumably be a breach of the covenant against alienation in the lease so, depending on the terms of the lease, the landlord could forfeit the lease, take back possession, and keep the cash.

I guess if you are a big enough gangster, you assume that these details will be resolved in your favour.

I've just been reading an article about ndrangheta. Scary stuff.

What if they paid twelve months up front then converted the place to an HMO, betting that they could rent every room for £500/month and make a profit before TW realises what their game is and boots them out?

If you're big gangster, you're going to need to launder money on an industrial scale. And you wouldn't want the faff of being a landlord. It's possible, but it seems unlikely to me.

If you're going to try that, why not just pay the rent monthly? No upsides to paying it all up front.

Maybe they are just a bit odd

I would probably ask them why this is their preference first and not listen to a load of people on the internet making up strange potential realities.

Where's the fun in that?

Sound advice.

After you have asked the above, can you please ask when I can pop over to score some rock. Thanks

"Hi, I was just wondering why you want to pay a year's rent up front?"

"Ah yes, of course. It's because I'm a super big gangster and I want to utilise your property for a money laundering scheme"

"Ok. That's not really what I had in mind. I see this more as a starter property for Mr and Mrs hipster. I think I'll have to decline your offer."

"Sure, no worries bro".

Maybe they just really like it and don’t want you to rent it to someone else.

Am I doing this right?

Condenser driers. Ours is packing up and tripping the RCD after a few minutes (or sometimes seconds) of use. It spins, heats up and condenses, but it feels like it's getting too hot. Heating/temp sensor? Does anyone have any experience of diagnosing/fixing these?

Failing that, any recommendations on a new one?

Who is the current forum recommended solicitor for conveyancing?

RCD trip suggests the insulation in the heating element is knackered and it’s grounding on its own casing, which might only happen after it gets warm.

Hah hah not mine or my buyer’s obvs

I have one for sale. It's a SMEG Heat Pump
https://ao.com/product/drf81auk-smeg-heat-pump-tumble-dryer-white-47121-126.aspx

The guy I've been using has been good, can't remember who on here recommended him. PM me if you want his details.

One thing to be aware of, he'll only deal with you and the other solicitors, he won't deal with the estate agents. I'm fine with this but it pissed my agents off (although they did calm down a bit when they realised we were on top of everything and I was giving them updates).

@jonny recommended Uzma at MW solicitors, there are efficient. I didn't love them but I think I was spoiled by having a friend conduct our conveyancing first time around. They went into administration but were acquired by Taylor Rose. We experienced no downtime or issues through this but worth pointing out. Jonny spoke highly of her and think someone else went with them

he'll only deal with you and the other solicitors, he won't deal with the estate agents. I'm fine with this but it pissed my agents off

This happened with us last time we moved. It was almost like the estate agents were worried that people would realise they charge a fuck load of money for not much work.

Our boiler had a series of issues that have finally been fixed under our emergency call out - although there was so much we're waiting to hear if it's used up the cap.

Anyway, the engineer, who seemed sound and spotted the CO leak, said we have heavy build up of lime scale. He said that that's usually a red flag to insurers and they'll often bail if it causes issues. In addition there are knock on consequences for the boiler and heating.

He suggested a Powerflush / descale but didn't recommend anyone. Does anyone have any experience of this? Any recommendations in North London / Hertfordshire?

Cheers.

yeah all true @andyp

i took original recommendation from @Quincy

Uzma did a good job for us. No nonsense. No frills.

Yep she just did what she said she would, when she said she would and fought our corner when others didn't do the same.
I can't say we're pen pals now but I couldn't fault her and would 100% go to her again.