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Organizations
such as HeAL (Headingley Against Landlordism) are calling for every
rented house to be licensed by the council. What are your opinions
about this?
"I
have no problem with properties being licensed but there are already
demands that properties must be of certain standards I don't see
what further use licensing would be."
How
do you feel about landlords being blamed for problems in Headingley?
"As
in all problems there are two sides to a story. There are around
40,000 students in Leeds, 90% of this is a massive boost for the
city. These 40,000 people have to live somewhere.
"Most
cities would give their right arm for the income students bring."
Do
you contact neighbours before you move students in?
"It
now goes without saying that that if a house is up for sale owners
will sell to a landlord because they will offer a higher price.
So neighbours know that students are likely to move in.
"If
tenants cause a problem we bring the clause in the tenancy agreement
about not being a nuisance to neighbours to their attention. We are
not the police or council so we do not have the resources to do their
job."
Are
checks made on the appearance of property?
"Yes
and if somebody in a street brings something to my attention it
will be sorted out, I think most landlords will do that. A gardener
goes around the house and they are well looked after.
"If you compare most terrace houses around here to other areas
of Leeds without students they compare favourably. There are few
boarded up properties for example, this is one of the many positive
side effects of landlords."
Do
you put up To Let signs up? how do you feel about any proposed ban
on signs?
"I
do put up To Let signs but only one per street. They are helpful
for people looking for property.
"However
if a large amount of people find them offensive I'm sure they could
be placed in a window or done away with completely."
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