I ASSUME and hope that the leader in the GDN on Sunday (‘Rents SOS’, September 12) refers to commercial property. If not, I fear there is a lot to be said about rents in this lovely country.
We have now lived here for over 16 years and are very grateful that this has been possible. The one and only problem has always been the management of the compounds where the houses have been built.
Our first house was wonderful, big, modern and airy with its own pool and a garden that we needed to create. What a joy after a few years in London. The manager was very competent and so were all the staff. The landlord was keen to see that the properties were well maintained.
Alas, the manager left and the landlord became unwell. Thereafter the young substitute manager refused to fix anything and things went from bad to worse.
The next house was smaller and the garden a complete mess. It followed the pattern of most compounds it seems, once you have moved in do not expect any work to be done on the property. The accommodation provided for the staff can only be described as cruelty, greasy black walls and a hole in the floor as a lavatory. Truly shocking.
The third and last house rented is small, very attractive and old. The plumbing tends to be unreliable and the management has no interest whatsoever in maintaining it or the large grounds. The paint on the outside of the house is peeling badly and we have been told management will not pay for it to be painted.
If a monthly rental is agreed upon, then the usual system is that the tenant pays the rent and keeps the property clean and tidy and the landlord maintains his investment.
Perhaps you can understand why ‘Rents SOS’ rang a rather loud bell with us.
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