Excellent tenant

SusieBlue · 21-01-2020 3:18pm

2020Vision wrote: »

Any chance that you'd try a bit harder to stick to the theme of this topic and take your haranguing of someone whose opinion doesn't appeal to you to PM?

Its really unhelpful for a person who has had a very unique, advantageous financial situation to be pontificating about the importance of buying a house to someone in such a precarious situation through no fault of their own.
If you have a problem with my posts, feel free to report them, stop backseat moderating and leave it to the actual Mods.

handlemaster · 21-01-2020 3:20pm

Graces7 wrote: »

Do we? House purchase is not possible for many because of the circumstances of their life that they can do little about.

Why should old folk not choose where they live?

That's not any system on earth that will allow that. Why ? Human nature. People would do nothing. And does who would dknt want to pay for those that dont. Then there would be civil war. So that is why we have rules and regulations. Besides lots of property out side of the main employment areas with empty property.

21-01-2020 3:27pm

SusieBlue wrote: »

Its really unhelpful for a person who has had a very unique, advantageous financial situation to be pontificating about the importance of buying a house to someone in such a precarious situation through no fault of their own.
If you have a problem with my posts, feel free to report them, stop backseat moderating and leave it to the actual Mods.

Things are gone wildly off topic but I will point out again that my original post was not directed at the ops tenant whatsoever. It was pointed at those who on forum have promoted a move to "renting for live" and sell it as a good thing. I was simply pointing out this is the type of situation that will occur more and more if people are renting into old age. My own situation which you decided to drag up is irrelevant.

TheBlock · 21-01-2020 3:31pm

Gerardo Ancient Crossbar wrote: »

Things are gone wildly off topic but I will point out again that my original post was not directed at the ops tenant whatsoever. It was pointed at those who on forum have promoted a move to "renting for live" and sell it as a good thing. I was simply pointing out this is the type of situation that will occur more and more if people are renting into old age. My own situation which you decided to drag up is irrelevant.

You derailed the thread...live with it.

L1011 · 21-01-2020 4:34pm

2020Vision wrote: »

Any chance that you'd try a bit harder to stick to the theme of this topic and take your haranguing of someone whose opinion doesn't appeal to you to PM?

Report posts if you've a problem with them please

m5ex9oqjawdg2i · 21-01-2020 4:51pm

Gerardo Ancient Crossbar wrote: »

I see a number of posters are taking issue with my post.

My point was that you will see plenty of posters saying we need to move toward a more rental oriented society, that not everyone should buy, that people shouldn’t be seeing buying a vital etc etc. But this is an example of why anyone should have owning their own home as one of their main aims in life.

I feel as sorry for this man as anyone, I’m not giving him a dig whatsoever.

In rental orientated societies, the owner can sell the apartment with the tenant still living in the accommodation. Something completely alien in Ireland. Banks won't even entertain such a "crazy" idea.

There is a strong need to own a home in Ireland under the current circumstances. However, not everybody can afford to buy. Buying a cottage in the middle of nowhere for 100K is also not an answer.

Graces7 · 22-01-2020 1:16am

Your post is a complete non sequitur to mine and I have no idea what you are talking about.

Certainly nothing to do with this gentleman's predicament

Civil war? What rules?

handlemaster wrote: »

That's not any system on earth that will allow that. Why ? Human nature. People would do nothing. And does who would dknt want to pay for those that dont. Then there would be civil war. So that is why we have rules and regulations. Besides lots of property out side of the main employment areas with empty property.

skooterblue2 · 22-01-2020 1:35am

jimmycrackcorm wrote: »

This! Why does he need to live in Dublin particularly if he is off pensionable age.
Plenty off people like myself have to live in Dublin because of work, but there are many affordable places once you movie away from the pale.

Probably because he is an older gentleman who has his friends family social life and his social curiosities built around him. I am guessing that you are under 35? Because after 30 people who dont know you have very little time for you. It takes too much effort to make friends and find them. Older people have their favourite shops, pubs and walks. Can we not afford these to our senior citizens who have given much of their lives through "Belt tightenings" and emigration eras?

When you get to that age you will hope people will be that charitable to you.

katiek102010 · 22-01-2020 2:50am

paulieeye wrote: »

Probably because of the lack of other accommodation. Have you been paying attention?

So someone should give up their life and family because they are too old to be useful.

Every village and county in the county the same issues with housing, what makes Dublin so superior. He is as entitled to live there as much as you, probably was living and working there before you were born.

Absolutely disgusting to have an opinion that a working person should be the only person entitled to accomodation in the area.

Probably thinks along the lines of this why don't we just euthaniae everyone in the country as soon as they retire and free up a few properties.

skooterblue2 · 22-01-2020 2:53am

katiek102010 wrote: »

Probably thinks along the lines of this why don't we just euthaniae everyone in the country as soon as they retire and free up a few properties.

Actually that is the next thing on the referenda cards. Once you are 55 and start having health problems, out the door. Doctors will be fully compliant because they dont want those people affecting their insurance ratings.

katiek102010 · 22-01-2020 2:56am

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

The same support network that has him living in a glorified bedsit(*) and isn't helping him find somewhere new to live? There are nicer people in most small towns around the country.

(*) Not getting at the OP here, I'm sure it's a nice studio as studios go. But they are what they are.

Maybe he doesn't want to live with his grandkids.

Stop being disgusting. You have no right to dictate who lives where. When you have lived in an area 60+ years, have friends and relatives living close to you. How would you like to be told move away only working peop2allowed live here.

You are suggesting a form of cleaning of an area.

katiek102010 · 22-01-2020 3:01am

Sleeper12 wrote: »

This is the norm & happens every day of the week. Charities & Councils advise overholding

It's unethical and can cause the landlord /seller huge financial difficulty.

The councils and charity should be held accountable by law to compensate accordingly

katiek102010 · 22-01-2020 3:20am

skooterblue2 wrote: »

Probably because he is an older gentleman who has his friends family social life and his social curiosities built around him. I am guessing that you are under 35? Because after 30 people who dont know you have very little time for you. It takes too much effort to make friends and find them. Older people have their favourite shops, pubs and walks. Can we not afford these to our senior citizens who have given much of their lives through "Belt tightenings" and emigration eras?

When you get to that age you will hope people will be that charitable to you.

I worked in a social care, housing background. The distress from being forcibly moved from the familiar can have a huge impact on the physical and mental health of anyone, not just the elderly.

It is unbelievable for any human being to say ship the elderly and those not working out of Dublin.

The majority of those renting are in a precarious situation. We are currently renting, not by choice. We have a disabled child. Even though the working parent earns over the average salary the banks won't touch us for a mortgage as carers is not an income in their opinion.

We had to move county and were a week away from being homeless. Disabled child has a special school 60k commute daily as he can't be moved due to last of space. Working parent has a 137k commute daily.

GP where we are now has no vacancies so routine visits and check ups mean 1hr drive there and back.

How on earth would an elderly person cope with that

Graces7 · 22-01-2020 7:31am

re your last sentence; with great difficulty. I am on the verge of my 80s and had to do just that less than three years ago. It has affected my health adversely. The worst was that many folkl assumed I should be in sheltered accommodation aka prison!

I came out here from a terrible rental; the one before that was great but he needed to sell and was a decent man.

Now I am in a council owned place so maybe more secure.

But that last move nearly finished me.

katiek102010 wrote: »

I worked in a social care, housing background. The distress from being forcibly moved from the familiar can have a huge impact on the physical and mental health of anyone, not just the elderly.

It is unbelievable for any human being to say ship the elderly and those not working out of Dublin.

The majority of those renting are in a precarious situation. We are currently renting, not by choice. We have a disabled child. Even though the working parent earns over the average salary the banks won't touch us for a mortgage as carers is not an income in their opinion.

We had to move county and were a week away from being homeless. Disabled child has a special school 60k commute daily as he can't be moved due to last of space. Working parent has a 137k commute daily.

GP where we are now has no vacancies so routine visits and check ups mean 1hr drive there and back.

How on earth would an elderly person cope with that

handlemaster · 22-01-2020 7:44am

Graces7 wrote: »

Your post is a complete non sequitur to mine and I have no idea what you are talking about.

Certainly nothing to do with this gentleman's predicament

Civil war? What rules?

Clearly you dont see the bigger picture of case and effect so I will leave it there with you.

handlemaster · 22-01-2020 7:50am

katiek102010 wrote: »

Maybe he doesn't want to live with his grandkids.

Stop being disgusting. You have no right to dictate who lives where. When you have lived in an area 60+ years, have friends and relatives living close to you. How would you like to be told move away only working peop2allowed live here.

You are suggesting a form of cleaning of an area.

If you cannot afford to live in your desired area should the state step in ? I would like to live in Ballsbridge , then perhaps Sandymount then maybe Ranelagh , each time I change my mind as it is my right , do you think the state should pay for me and my desired location ? I also want only A rated energy efficient housing, good access to transport .. and I dont want to pay over what I perceive yo be fair value.. like 50 euro per week.

beauf · 22-01-2020 9:11am

The problem is the state got rid of its social housing in places like Dublin and didn't build or buy any new stock to replace it.

Old diesel · 22-01-2020 9:27am

So if this gentleman *has* to move out of Dublin.

There are a number of issues to consider....

1) move to where exactly.......

2) what happens when the landlord in Killarney, Cavan, Clifden or Roscommon needs to sell.

3) there is a GP shortage - so if no GP places in random town how are any medical needs to be met.

4) how do other countries manage this - if an elderly man lived in Paris for years how do the French authorities deal with it. Do they tell you bugger off to some random town.

Easy to say "move" out of Dublin - but not so simple in reality.

dubrov · 22-01-2020 9:30am

OP, I know this wasn't a problem of your making but you are in a very real position to help someone directly. I know you say you need to look after your family but could you sleep at night knowing this guy is living in a tent.

Rent does not need to cover the mortgage to be profitable, it just needs to cover the rent plus expenses and it sounds like expenses are almost zero with your tenant.

E.g. Rent is 900 but the mortgage is 1000 per month. Of that 1000, about 600 is probably paying down the equity. So every month you are 400 better off on paper. I know there is tax to consider but I am sure you could come to some arrangement with your tenant.

Of course you are down 100 in cashflow every month in the above example but maybe you could look at getting an equity release from the bank to cover you in the short term.

Most of us who give to charity know that only a fraction of it ends up making a difference after administration charges are taken out. You have the possibility here to cut through all that.

I'd tell your tenant to keep up the pressure on the council telling them that he will be shortly living in a tent. Hopefully, they will eventually find something for him and you can sell.

Sofa King Great · 22-01-2020 9:37am

dubrov wrote: »

OP, I know this wasn't a problem of your making but you are in a very real position to help someone directly. I know you say you need to look after your family but could you sleep at night knowing this guy is living in a tent.

Rent does not need to cover the mortgage to be profitable, it just needs to cover the rent plus expenses and it sounds like expenses are almost zero with your tenant.

E.g. Rent is 900 but the mortgage is 1000 per month. Of that 1000, about 600 is probably paying down the equity. So every month you are 400 better off on paper. I know there is tax to consider but I am sure you could come to some arrangement with your tenant.

Of course you are down 100 in cashflow every month in the above example but maybe you could look at getting an equity release from the bank to cover you in the short term.

Most of us who give to charity know that only a fraction of it ends up making a difference after administration charges are taken out. You have the possibility here to cut through all that.

I'd tell your tenant to keep up the pressure on the council telling them that he will be shortly living in a tent. Hopefully, they will eventually find something for him and you can sell.

Your example doesn't take in to account tax on rental income, property tax, expenses associated with the house.

Also why should someone take on extra debt via an equity release?

handlemaster · 22-01-2020 9:38am

Old diesel wrote: »

So if this gentleman *has* to move out of Dublin.

There are a number of issues to consider....

1) move to where exactly.......

2) what happens when the landlord in Killarney, Cavan, Clifden or Roscommon needs to sell.

3) there is a GP shortage - so if no GP places in random town how are any medical needs to be met.

4) how do other countries manage this - if an elderly man lived in Paris for years how do the French authorities deal with it. Do they tell you bugger off to some random town.

Easy to say "move" out of Dublin - but not so simple in reality.

Yes life outside of Dublin is impossible. LOL

handlemaster · 22-01-2020 9:40am

dubrov wrote: »

OP, I know this wasn't a problem of your making but you are in a very real position to help someone directly. I know you say you need to look after your family but could you sleep at night knowing this guy is living in a tent.

Rent does not need to cover the mortgage to be profitable, it just needs to cover the rent plus expenses and it sounds like expenses are almost zero with your tenant.

E.g. Rent is 900 but the mortgage is 1000 per month. Of that 1000, about 600 is probably paying down the equity. So every month you are 400 better off on paper. I know there is tax to consider but I am sure you could come to some arrangement with your tenant.

Of course you are down 100 in cashflow every month in the above example but maybe you could look at getting an equity release from the bank to cover you in the short term.

Most of us who give to charity know that only a fraction of it ends up making a difference after administration charges are taken out. You have the possibility here to cut through all that.

I'd tell your tenant to keep up the pressure on the council telling them that he will be shortly living in a tent. Hopefully, they will eventually find something for him and you can sell.

Would you say the same thing to a business owner like a shop keeper. Why are landlords always asked to be charity workers?

Old diesel · 22-01-2020 9:44am

dubrov wrote: »

OP, I know this wasn't a problem of your making but you are in a very real position to help someone directly. I know you say you need to look after your family but could you sleep at night knowing this guy is living in a tent.

Rent does not need to cover the mortgage to be profitable, it just needs to cover the rent plus expenses and it sounds like expenses are almost zero with your tenant.

E.g. Rent is 900 but the mortgage is 1000 per month. Of that 1000, about 600 is probably paying down the equity. So every month you are 400 better off on paper. I know there is tax to consider but I am sure you could come to some arrangement with your tenant.

Of course you are down 100 in cashflow every month in the above example but maybe you could look at getting an equity release from the bank to cover you in the short term.

Most of us who give to charity know that only a fraction of it ends up making a difference after administration charges are taken out. You have the possibility here to cut through all that.

I'd tell your tenant to keep up the pressure on the council telling them that he will be shortly living in a tent. Hopefully, they will eventually find something for him and you can sell.

The problem is likely that the property is costing too much Vs what it takes in rent wise.

You still pay tax on it for example even when making a loss due to how rental income is treated.

So in this case it's actually too much of a drain on the Landlords family finances.

Whereas if you sell - you have money that bolsters the family finances.

Or at least you can get rid of the mortgage debt.

Things don't actually need to be as bad as "living in a tent" the council could easily sort out a hotel or B & B room as a stop gap.

Now whether they will actually do this is another matter entirely. The Gentleman will need someone to advocate for him.

Like Anthony Flynn at ICHH who is also a Dublin City Council.

The big problem here is that the house is provisionally sold.

This landlord has already been helpful by allowing the extra week by week stay.

Graces7 · 22-01-2020 9:45am

I see simple humanity that transcends other considerations and having been in his situation? People matter.. And I choose to care not neglect ..Fare thee well!

handlemaster wrote: »

Clearly you dont see the bigger picture of case and effect so I will leave it there with you.

Graces7 · 22-01-2020 9:47am

None of this applies to this old man. You are exaggerating and deflecting,

handlemaster wrote: »

If you cannot afford to live in your desired area should the state step in ? I would like to live in Ballsbridge , then perhaps Sandymount then maybe Ranelagh , each time I change my mind as it is my right , do you think the state should pay for me and my desired location ? I also want only A rated energy efficient housing, good access to transport .. and I dont want to pay over what I perceive yo be fair value.. like 50 euro per week.

dubrov · 22-01-2020 9:47am

Sofa King Great wrote: »

Your example doesn't take in to account tax on rental income, property tax, expenses associated with the house.

Also why should someone take on extra debt via an equity release?

I addressed taxes and expenses but it was a simplified example
Show me a property in Dublin for sale that wouldn't cover all of the above.

An equity release is just to get over the hump of the cashflow problem.
The mortgage payments will reduce the debt naturally so the OP will still be in profit in the long run.

dubrov · 22-01-2020 9:51am

handlemaster wrote: »

Would you say the same thing to a business owner like a shop keeper. Why are landlords always asked to be charity workers?

No I wouldn't if it was a business. Living on the street at 65 is much worse than a business going bust.

The OP isn't obliged to do anything. I don't really understand those congratulating their OP for being so nice to their tenant either if h gets turfed out.
I don't think it is a huge ask to hold on a few months more until something is sorted.

Old diesel · 22-01-2020 9:51am

handlemaster wrote: »

Yes life outside of Dublin is impossible. LOL

It's the constant moving around that landlords and the market will be requiring that's the problem.

Moving into a nice little place in say Killarney is doable if you are allowed settle down there and be happy there.

What isnt so doable is the following......

Today - move to Cavan......

12 months time - move to Killarney.

3 years time move to Connemara.

5 years time move to Monaghan.

Social housing is the solution ultimately.....

Graces7 · 22-01-2020 9:51am

You are describing in detail what I encountered a couple of years ago when I had to leave a death trap of a rental
My medical needs were grossly neglected for over a year. And I am headed for 80 and disabled/chronically ill .

Even now I have minimal sketchy health care and only this much because I made a fuss.. as high as the Ombudsman.

Thankfully now with the council and feeling far safer than with any private landlord over the last eight moves in 14 years

l

Old diesel wrote: »

So if this gentleman *has* to move out of Dublin.

There are a number of issues to consider....

1) move to where exactly.......

2) what happens when the landlord in Killarney, Cavan, Clifden or Roscommon needs to sell.

3) there is a GP shortage - so if no GP places in random town how are any medical needs to be met.

4) how do other countries manage this - if an elderly man lived in Paris for years how do the French authorities deal with it. Do they tell you bugger off to some random town.

Easy to say "move" out of Dublin - but not so simple in reality.

2020Vision · 22-01-2020 9:56am

dubrov wrote: »

No I wouldn't if it was a business. Living on the street at 65 is much worse than a business going bust.

The OP isn't obliged to do anything. I don't really understand those congratulating their OP for being so nice to their tenant either if h gets turfed out.
I don't think it is a huge ask to hold on a few months more until something is sorted.

And if you were the purchaser, you'd no doubt be delighted to hold off moving in until the departing tenant had been facilitated?

dubrov · 22-01-2020 9:57am

Old diesel wrote: »

You still pay tax on it for example even when making a loss due to how rental income is treated.

This is a fallacy that is constantly reiterated on these forums. You only pay tax on profits. i.e. Rental Income less expenses (note interest is also an allowable expense).

E.g. Rent 1000, Expenses (600 including interest). You only pay tax on 400.
Say 50% tax so you pay 200.
Also the mortgage is 900.

At the end of your month your net position is
Equity = +300 (Mortgage payment less interest)
Cash = -100 (Rent less mortgage payment)

So you are in profit +200.

Of course the problem is your cashflow is -100 so that can be a problem in the short term.

dubrov · 22-01-2020 9:58am

2020Vision wrote: »

And if you were the purchaser, you'd no doubt be delighted to hold off moving in until the departing tenant had been facilitated?

I wouldn't be purchasing if I knew the background

2020Vision · 22-01-2020 9:59am

dubrov wrote: »

I wouldn't be purchasing if I knew the background

Sanctimonious tripe!

dubrov · 22-01-2020 10:21am

2020Vision wrote: »

Sanctimonious tripe!

Believe what you like

beauf · 22-01-2020 10:42am

dubrov wrote: »

OP, I know this wasn't a problem of your making but you are in a very real position to help someone directly. I know you say you need to look after your family but could you sleep at night knowing this guy is living in a tent.

....

Of course you are down 100 in cashflow every month in the above example but maybe you could look at getting an equity release from the bank to cover you in the short term....

This is an interesting post. That a LL should maintain a property and effectively give a tenant 1200+ a year to stay in it. For who knows how many years.

Its interesting because that's the result of govt housing policy, that the govt abdicated the housing of its people to the whim of the private market. They outsourced it.

handlemaster · 22-01-2020 10:45am

Old diesel wrote: »

The problem is likely that the property is costing too much Vs what it takes in rent wise.

You still pay tax on it for example even when making a loss due to how rental income is treated.

So in this case it's actually too much of a drain on the Landlords family finances.

Whereas if you sell - you have money that bolsters the family finances.

Or at least you can get rid of the mortgage debt.

Things don't actually need to be as bad as "living in a tent" the council could easily sort out a hotel or B & B room as a stop gap.

Now whether they will actually do this is another matter entirely. The Gentleman will need someone to advocate for him.

Like Anthony Flynn at ICHH who is also a Dublin City Council.

The big problem here is that the house is provisionally sold.

This landlord has already been helpful by allowing the extra week by week stay.

Well said.

Old diesel · 22-01-2020 10:47am

dubrov wrote: »

This is a fallacy that is constantly reiterated on these forums. You only pay tax on profits. i.e. Rental Income less expenses (note interest is also an allowable expense).

E.g. Rent 1000, Expenses (600 including interest). You only pay tax on 400.
Say 50% tax so you pay 200.
Also the mortgage is 900.

At the end of your month your net position is
Equity = +300 (Mortgage payment less interest)
Cash = -100 (Rent less mortgage payment)

So you are in profit +200.

Of course the problem is your cashflow is -100 so that can be a problem in the short term.

Rental income isn't treated like other businesses.

It's counted as if normal PAYE income and it's to be added to your other income.

So you get caught for the high rate of tax because either your other income went over the threshold of 34 k.

Or because the rental income takes you over 34 k.

handlemaster · 22-01-2020 10:48am

Old diesel wrote: »

It's the constant moving around that landlords and the market will be requiring that's the problem.

Moving into a nice little place in say Killarney is doable if you are allowed settle down there and be happy there.

What isnt so doable is the following......

Today - move to Cavan......

12 months time - move to Killarney.

3 years time move to Connemara.

5 years time move to Monaghan.

Social housing is the solution ultimately.....[/quote

LL would be more than happy to provide social housing if they were treat correctly with having to deal with problem tenants no payment anti social behaviour etc..

dubrov · 22-01-2020 11:06am

Old diesel wrote: »

Rental income isn't treated like other businesses.

It's counted as if normal PAYE income and it's to be added to your other income.

So you get caught for the high rate of tax because either your other income went over the threshold of 34 k.

Or because the rental income takes you over 34 k.

That is not true.
If you own a business, you cannot spend the profit as you like on yourself. You need to pay it out as a salary at which point it becomes subject to PAYE.

So if you work for someone and earn 30k and have a business on the side that pays you 30k, you are taxed as if your total income is 60k.

22-01-2020 12:22pm

dubrov wrote: »

No I wouldn't if it was a business. Living on the street at 65 is much worse than a business going bust.

No it isn’t, a business going bust could impact a lot more than just one person who lets be realistic is not going to end up on the street.

dubrov wrote: »

The OP isn't obliged to do anything. I don't really understand those congratulating their OP for being so nice to their tenant either if h gets turfed out.
I don't think it is a huge ask to hold on a few months more until something is sorted.

The op is running a business, it is not a charity and your other post stating he shouldn’t sell is quite frankly nonsense. He is already going over and above with the help he is providing. It’s not his job to house people it’s his job to work his situation as best he can for his own finances.

He has already been throwing money away by not upping rent for many years and now you would expect him to further subsidise this man out of his own pocket.

dubrov wrote: »

I wouldn't be purchasing if I knew the background

You would be very foolish to allow sentiment to dictate your life like this. I would have no hesitation in purchasing the place it’s not my problem nor should it be what the existing tenants situation is. I’d have sympathy for him but I wouldn’t be letting that influence any decisions.

dubrov wrote: »

That is not true.
If you own a business, you cannot spend the profit as you like on yourself. You need to pay it out as a salary at which point it becomes subject to PAYE.

So if you work for someone and earn 30k and have a business on the side that pays you 30k, you are taxed as if your total income is 60k.

There is a massive gulf in what a normal business can do and what a rental business can do, the situation is very unfair.

There is far more scope for tax write offs in other business, far more scope for expensing your own time and anything business related (essentially paying yourself tax free to an extent). That’s just the start of it.

Dog day · 22-01-2020 2:26pm

Hi OP, firstly just a note to commend you for your compassion for this elderly tenant, it’s truly heartening to see.

I’ve read some but not all of this thread but unfortunately it seems it’s been somewhat derailed from offering solutions to your original query.

I just wanted to echo the advice one poster gave which is to look into your tenant seeking rental accommodation with another elderly person who needs companionship. He sounds like a lovely man & given he’s well liked & still enjoys doing DIY jobs this could be a great solution. Apologies I don’t have any websites to hand but I do know that Newstalk ran a discussion on this matter on the Ciara Kelly Show a short while ago so they may be able to point you in the right direction in terms of organisations that can assist.

Another option is for your tenant to advertise himself on Daft for a house share. I know you mentioned he’s not Tech savvy but perhaps you could help him with this. The very first lodger I took into my new home years ago did this, on paper he wouldn’t have been the social ‘ideal’ for a houseshare ie. older man etc but to this date he’s one of the best lodgers I’ve ever had.

I hope this helps & wish yourself & this man (who sounds lovely!) all the best.

skooterblue2 · 22-01-2020 2:33pm

Dog day wrote: »

I just wanted to echo the advice one poster gave which is to look into your tenant seeking rental accommodation with another elderly person who needs companionship. He sounds like a lovely man & given he’s well liked & still enjoys doing DIY jobs this could be a great solution

Trust me as you get older and you are less likely to adapt to change. Once you live on your own and leave the house share/family unit in your 20's it is very hard to have someone move into your space and/or move in with someone else. I say this as a married man and who has lived in a stable family environment and house share and lived on my own. It is a big shock to have to change accommodation particularly as you get older. In college you can pack up you stuff and move into a squat for 8 months and be home before baling in the summer, no big deal. As you get older its not so easy.

The Student · 22-01-2020 2:41pm

It is commendable what the op is trying to do for his tenant. But his tenant is not his responsibility. I know this sounds harsh but his tenant is the State's responsibility.

Yes it is difficult to move at any age, yes we have a housing shortage, but needs must, we can't all get what we want in life, we all need to make scarifices. The most important point is that the tenant have a roof over his head, if this is outside Dublin, if this is in a house share then it might be his only option.

skooterblue2 · 22-01-2020 2:47pm

The Student wrote: »

It is commendable what the op is trying to do for his tenant. But his tenant is not his responsibility. I know this sounds harsh but his tenant is the State's responsibility.

Yes it is difficult to move at any age, yes we have a housing shortage, but needs must, we can't all get what we want in life, we all need to make scarifices. The most important point is that the tenant have a roof over his head, if this is outside Dublin, if this is in a house share then it might be his only option.

God help you if you think the state is going to look after you in your old age. In the same position I would "rather reign in Hell, than serve in heaven". We are not cattle and we like rule our own house. Then a move outside the city would be preferable to either living in a senior citizens home or a house share.

Dog day · 22-01-2020 3:01pm

skooterblue2 wrote: »

I absolutely agree with you on this skooterblue2 & it certainly wasn’t my intention to over-simplify. I’m just trying to suggest/reinforce concrete solutions to the issue. Equally regarding other posts I just don’t see real value in getting into a discussion here on how the State etc should shoulder the responsibility in this type of scenario as in truth that doesn’t assist the OP with this very current problem.

Once again I agree with you on the complexity of this issue. Any elderly person should by rights not have to face the stress of new living arrangements at a stage of life when they should at the very least have a comfortable & safe roof over their heads.

paulieeye · 22-01-2020 5:13pm

katiek102010 wrote: »

So someone should give up their life and family because they are too old to be useful.

Every village and county in the county the same issues with housing, what makes Dublin so superior. He is as entitled to live there as much as you, probably was living and working there before you were born.

Absolutely disgusting to have an opinion that a working person should be the only person entitled to accomodation in the area.

Probably thinks along the lines of this why don't we just euthaniae everyone in the country as soon as they retire and free up a few properties.

Wow...that is some wild assumptions there. What did I say that led you to all these wild accusations about the elderly and someone who is not working?

You asked "Why should he have to move away from the area he has lived in his entire life" and the answer whether you like it or not is that there is a lack of accommodation in that area so it is very expensive and out of his price range. That is simply a fact. Somehow you got to the point that I want to kill everyone over the age of 70!

Whether that is right or wrong is another story entirely and I feel for him. But I would love to hear your solution, you must have some great ideas on how to solve this so please enlighten us?

And yes of course "He is as entitled to live there as much as you", anyone and everyone is if you can find a place that fits your budget

Dog day · 22-01-2020 5:37pm

dubrov wrote: »

The OP isn't obliged to do anything. I don't really understand those congratulating their OP for being so nice to their tenant either if h gets turfed out.
I don't think it is a huge ask to hold on a few months more until something is sorted.

Dubrov, I feel compelled to respond here as I think the OP absolutely deserves great praise for his compassion in trying to assist this unfortunate man.

The OP has his own finances & family to consider. It’s far too easy to tar all landlords with the same brush & your statement is perplexing as to its oversimplification of a complex issue & indeed nonchalance regarding the OPs’ own circumstances.

Though I’m sure you mean to be kindhearted & understanding regarding the tenant in this situation you’ve been somewhat unkind to the OP here.

dubrov · 22-01-2020 6:34pm

I understand the OP needs to look after himself and his family and I am not aware of the circumstances that has led to the desire to sell. So yes, there may be a lot more information to this. With the information given, the OP hasn't really done anything beyond the ordinary.

According to the OP the tenant has been excellent, maintained the apartment well and has even gone to the point of being willing to go homeless rather than overhold. The only help the OP has given to the tenant is to help try to find another property which, let's face it, is in their interest. Even the current week-to-week arrangement is again very much to the landlord's benefit as well. It only becomes a negative if it continues after the closing date which doesn't appear to be likely to happen.

The OP is under no obligation to facilitate the tenant (nor should he be). It is really the state's responsibility to take care of this situation.
In saying that though, I'd want to be in dire financial straights to consider turfing out a pensioner given the relationship to this point. With a bit of effort all round, I'm sure an acceptable alternative could be worked out in a few months. Just more time is required.

skooterblue2 · 23-01-2020 1:42am

dubrov wrote: »

It is really the state's responsibility to take care of this situation.

Seriously, you trust the state to look after you in your old age? Have you not seen what has gone on in the last 5 years with nursing homes? I would rather be in the 'Joy than in one of the nursing homes. Single white males arent a housing priority for social welfare.

Graces7 · 23-01-2020 6:16am

For your realism, thank you.

When I had to leave a death trap rental I was prepared to sleep in my car rather than any communal accommodation,

Not just single males at risk.

a

skooterblue2 wrote: »

Seriously, you trust the state to look after you in your old age? Have you not seen what has gone on in the last 5 years with nursing homes? I would rather be in the 'Joy than in one of the nursing homes. Single white males arent a housing priority for social welfare.

Excellent tenant

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