Landlord question

We're renting privately.  It seemed like a good idea at the time.  Our landlady is really a nice lady but..

When we were supposed to take possession of the house, she had left so much stuff in the house that we essentially had to move her out before we could move in.  Some of the things she left, I have no idea what was there and where it has gone.  Now one year in, she has raised the rent £125 per month and now she's wanting her stuff.  Some of which I can not find, and really didn't even know was there. 

Her daughter is also showing to be a not so nice person but our agreement isn't with her, it is with her mother so if I have to deal with the daughter again, I won't. 

The landlady just got married and there is some serious conflict going on between her's and her husband's families.  Her daughter wants back into the house we're renting and is working very hard to split up her mother's marriage.  we have signed a six month lease so we have some time to find a new place to live.  I would leave tomorrow but I'd prefer to have some time.. 

Does anyone know if there is a landlord/tenant board where I can find out what our rights are in this situation?  Also, someone told me that if you do not pay your rent, it won't show up on your credit rating.  (not that I'm thinking of not paying my rent, but if it gets ugly and she wants us to pay for her stuff, I want a recourse - apparently withholding rent in that situation is common..?)

When you moved in, were you given an inventory listing everything that was in the house? You are not responsible for anything that's not listed.

When you moved in, were you given an inventory listing everything that was in the house? You are not responsible for anything that's not listed.

Thanks Britwife.  Just as I thought.  The only things listed were the appliances. 

I'd agree with that - I'm not an expert though. We rented privately, and it was 'furnished', so loads of things in it, and our landlord said an inventory wasn't nec. We thought he was a bit silly not to insist on it, but we were happy with everything there, or dumped it in the attic, so it wasn't a problem. IF they've not specified anything, they can get cross with you, but I'd doubt they have any rights on it?

Try this site, MrsPink: http://england.shelter.org.uk/advice/advice-495.cfm

When we moved out of our last place we left a couple of things in a cupboard that were there when we moved in. Unfortunately we didn't notice they were not listed on the inventory, and technically therefore not the landlord's,  and when we moved out the letting agent charged us a fee for having them removed!

I think about that too.  What does our landlady think, that we're just babysitting her house and her stuff?  We pay rent, we have a lease and it is our home.  I'm not responsible for her junk.

Also, her daughter insisted on walking through the house before any unpleasantness happened.  I let her but I realise now that  isn't allowed unless there is notice beforehand.  And it will only be our landlady from now on that we will deal with. 

Thanks Chary for the website.  It is very helpful.