(no subject)

[allana]

Bah. As my FIL suspected, we need a new boiler, which is no surprise if you look at the thing. It's apparently 30 years old at least, and probably the original boiler put in when the house was built. According to the engineer, the people who owned the house before the landlords bought it, had massive amounts of trouble with it and he was surprised that it hadn't been replaced yet. Interestingly, I discovered that when one buys a house, you should also have the boiler inspected to see if you'll need to replace it in the near future as a survey doesn't cover this. Something to remember for house buying later this year....

So... we're looking at Monday. I guess I'll need to chase the landlord later on to see if he got a quote from Milton the engineer. (Milton, was very nice, actually. We had a philosophical discussion about why people are afraid of black people. No firm conclusions, though.)

Comments

[sophia-lde.livejournal.com]

When we were looking for a house last year (we didn't find any) I was told that if a boiler was older than 12 years I should at least expect it to break down anytime soon and have the money ready to replace it. It could last for a nother 15 years or it could break down tomorrow.

[glam-ang.livejournal.com]

That sounds like very good advice. There is so much to consider when buying a house!! I suspect I'll end up making a project plan just to preserve my own sanity.

[dreammonkey.livejournal.com]

At least we're supposed to be in for a few warmer days... Getting out of bed was still difficult this morning, but not as difficult as usual. Milton is a good name! :)

[stonefinder.livejournal.com]

Sometimes it depends on the boiler. My mother's dates from the thirties and she's had several experts tell her that there was no reason to replace it as there is nothing wrong with it. Later boilers, though far more fuel efficient, are designed with planned obsolescenc in mind. It's hard to say with a thirty year old one, as it was probably built before the manufacturers thought to have them break down quickly in order to make more money. Still, if the engineer is telling you it needs to be replaced and he's not getting any money if you do, it probably needs replacing. Otherwise, I'd get a second opinion.

I don't know how British tax law works, but in the US, anything cost related to the making of income is considered tax deductible. Well, there are a few exceptions. The price of a car you need to go to work doesn't count, but a roll of toilet paper bought for the use of tenants is counted. So I never understand why a landlord would be so reluctant to maintain his or her rental property. It not only affects the value of the property but also the rents they can charge. Yes, a new boiler is hideously expensive, but here, at least, it could be considered tax deductible and possibly a capital improvement so why avoid putting one in it it's needed?

[silicondreams.livejournal.com]

Ow. You have all my simpathy, baby. I had to change it too - because it was leaking on my head everytime I went to brush my teeth. Next time I'll know better.

And I hope your boiler change goes better than mine, though. Since the new boiler leaks, too. *snarl*

[bella-cheval.livejournal.com]

Here's hoping you get the boiler fixed and quickly!

*hands over heavy, Artic-exploration-issue blankets*

[glam-ang.livejournal.com]

I don't think we have tax breaks like that for landlords here. Then again, I've never looked into the subject.

I think it's fair to say that our landlords are more interested in money than ensuring that the property is in the best possible condition for the tenants. They did the absolute minimum to it before renting it out--never have I seen such a poor paint-job--and there are still a number of issues with it. The whole place badly needs rewiring to bring it up to meeting the needs of a modern family. (And a new bathroom, too. They might also want to consider looking into the uneven floor and lack of proper insulation in the extension.)

For example, the living room has two single power points, one of which is broken and unfit for use. So, one socket to power the tv, the cable box, the DVD player, video, laptop.... I try not to think about the safety issues with daisy-chaining power supplies. I'd never get any sleep if I did. (Incidentally, the socket hasn't been replaced as any electrician who looked at the house would want to rewire it.)

I could go on all day about this. However, the landlord did actually call me last night and the boiler is being replaced on Monday with a minimum of disruption to the house. Yay. In the meantime, we'll be plenty warm enough but we'll have to do laundry at Dave's parents.

[glam-ang.livejournal.com]

Thank-you bambina! *smooch*

[glam-ang.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Bella! It's being changed on Monday :)

[glam-ang.livejournal.com]

Even better, his middle name is Rupert :P