What would you ask Michael Gove, if you could?

What would you ask Michael Gove, if you could?

0:08 AM, 14th February 2024, About 9 months ago 17

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Hello, I’ve been a hands on landlord for over 20 years, and regularly renovate properties and deal with tenants, trades and homeowners. I was on a panel asking questions to a number of politicians, including Michael Gove, Sec of State for Housing & Levelling Up.

He recently was quoted as saying, “As this guidance also makes clear, tenants should not be blamed for damp and mould. Damp and mould in the home are not the result of ‘lifestyle choices’, and it is the responsibility of landlords to identify and address the underlying causes of the problem, such as structural issues or inadequate ventilation.”

I personally think is ridiculous in the extreme and would welcome thoughts from members on this forum, which I regularly read and value, what they would like to ask Michael Gove or comment on?

Thanks,

Sian


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JeggNegg

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13:34 PM, 14th February 2024, About 9 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Ma'at Housing Solutions at 14/02/2024 - 12:23
Who is Awaab Isaak? Do you mean Awaab Ishak? Attention to detail in life is important, I believe, especially when you want to make serious comments which may have multiple and complex reasons for where we are. You might be right in suggesting a potential course of damp might be due to or partly due to a structural issue.. I am not an expert, but if it were the main cause of damp and mould, is the easiest ( not cheapest) to fix and improve the issue or might there be easier options to improve the tenants unacceptable conditions.? Is a discussion between the landlord and the tenant ( with any support group) to work together to resolve the unacceptable living conditions?
You are as we all are allowed to have our own opinions, and I agree with you LIVES MATTER MORE THAN PROFIT., people matter!

Stella

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13:38 PM, 14th February 2024, About 9 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Mike T at 14/02/2024 - 13:03
I let a property to various tenants for over 20 years with not a trace of damp or mould until 3 guys moved into the property.
They put a washing line in the lounge and surprise surprise we had mould everywhere.
I bought them a tumble dryer but they would not use it.
I had to serve a section 21 because the place had black mould all over the room and especially on the external wall.
I wonder what will happen when we can no longer serve a section 21

When the tenants are not responsible for their actions and we can be prosecuted or fined for problems caused by the tenants own irresponsible behavour

Reluctant Landlord

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14:07 PM, 14th February 2024, About 9 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Stella at 14/02/2024 - 13:38
it will be S8 allowing you to log all the tenant breaches in the AST and any accompanying documentation showing the cost of the damages (to date) etc.

BUT it would be wise to tick a mandatory ground e.g because you want to sell...and by directly referring to the tenant breaches you can state this has forced the decision.

JeggNegg

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15:50 PM, 14th February 2024, About 9 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Stella at 14/02/2024 - 13:38
All great observations/points.
Sadly I don’t think your comment/questions etc have been thought through fully.

SJKDevon

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18:13 PM, 14th February 2024, About 9 months ago

Dear Mr Gove,
Why do you spout complete rubbish ?! You do not know what you are talking about - please see sense and work with landlords to build a charter whereby both tenant and LL could be responsible instead of just blaming the LL, just yesterday I visited one of my properties to see yet another drying rack full of wet clothes air-drying on a landing with the windows closed !!! how is that structural or my fault ????? Also why not come clean about why rents are high ? scrapping section 24 interest relief so you can get more money from the LL in tax ? Making the LL or agent pay the tenant fees ?? Licensing fees going up ?? Stop hitting the LL every time !

GlanACC

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18:37 PM, 15th February 2024, About 9 months ago

Had a landlord mate who installed one of these gizmos in the loft that ran all the time usinging pennies of electricity, it was supposed to keep the air circulating and stops mould from forming. Tenant complained of mould so my mate went round and inspected the device which the tenant had disconnected . He took photographs and issued an S21, yes it went to court and the tenant claimed my mate had disconnected it - luckily got a judge with common sense and out she went.

M&SFAN

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8:42 AM, 17th February 2024, About 9 months ago

I'd ask Gove why he doesn't just resign asap together with the rest of the his lazy squabbling rabble currently drawing large parliamentary salaries at public expense. Britain has a totally broken housing market and his government has paved the way for a more efficient opposition government which ideologically is not in favour of landlords. So nothing else to say or ask to Gove except thanks for nothing and now just go.

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