Category: Diary

Celebrating the Arrival of Baby George: A Heartfelt Message

Slightly late to the party. Or so it may seem. Though my little yard has been perfectly transitional these past few days.

I had the two most wonderful friends from Scotland with me last week. And then slowing down for autumn, whilst still being very active, has taken balance. I just caught up with this wonderful news! So anyway, accept my late wishes for the birth of a completely perfect little boy. To treasure. Make the most of each sacred day. Each season. Each year.

May your new family have all the love and greatest joy possible. Through the hurdles. The peaks. The journey. May it all be blessed with goodness and warmth.

“A huge congratulations to you both and to all involved. Well done, Emily! Your husband must be the proudest partner and daddy!

And here’s some petals from summer. I dry them and then next Spring, they will become nourishment for new roots. Together. All of us.

Good News is to be Treasured. Beautiful Baby George.

Tiffy 💕

by Tiffany Belle Harper

Landlord Rights: Navigating Tenant Issues in the UK and Family Rights

I am not a politician. I am an observer with concerns. To be quite honest. I don’t have an issue with Angela Rayner in terms of her recent personal property efforts. (I would probably have done the same.) Now inspired to seek professional help also, for ways of protecting my family against being persecuted by legacy manoeuvres.

That said I am not in any other obvious agreement with current leadership politics, which does not help the plight of the British citizen. Family should be encouraged to thrive, because that is all we have. I have never been an advocate of knocking nests out of trees in their own natural habitat. We are more than a budget. The increasing suicide rates trouble me. The depression and foreboding I hear about. Horrific and heartbreaking. Enough. It is about giving relief to those who are trying and then, building new bridges. Amen.

I asked ‘Gemini AI’ about Landlords Rights in the UK in terms of Bad Tenants, because I want to help our economy. here’s the response

The idea that good landlords need protection from renters is a valid concern, as the relationship between landlords and tenants can indeed be a “double-edged sword.” While UK law is often seen as tenant-centric, there are mechanisms and legal protections in place to help landlords deal with difficult situations, such as rent arrears, property damage, and antisocial behavior. The key for landlords is to follow the correct legal procedures and maintain clear documentation.

​Landlords’ Legal Recourse

​UK law provides specific grounds for landlords to regain possession of their property and address tenant misconduct. The most common of these are governed by the Housing Act 1988, which outlines the use of “grounds for possession.”

​Section 8 Notices A landlord can serve a Section 8 notice when a tenant has breached the tenancy agreement. This is the primary legal route for dealing with problem tenants. The notice must specify the grounds for eviction, and there are various mandatory and discretionary grounds.

  • ​Mandatory Grounds: The court must grant a possession order if a landlord proves one of these grounds. These include persistent rent arrears (usually two months’ worth), property damage, or the landlord needing the property back for themselves or a family member to live in.
  • ​Discretionary Grounds: The court has the discretion to decide whether to grant a possession order, even if the landlord proves the ground. These include lesser rent arrears, breach of a tenancy term, or nuisance/antisocial behavior.

​Section 21 Notices

​Historically, landlords could also use a Section 21 notice to evict a tenant without providing a reason, as long as the fixed term of the tenancy had expired. However, there are ongoing legislative changes aimed at ending this “no-fault” eviction process. The current legal framework is shifting to put more emphasis on the grounds-based evictions under Section 8.

​Preventative Measures & Evidence Gathering For landlords to effectively use these legal protections, they must be diligent and proactive.

​Comprehensive Tenancy Agreements 📜

​A well-drafted tenancy agreement is crucial. It should clearly outline the tenant’s responsibilities, including paying rent on time, maintaining the property, and not engaging in antisocial behavior. This document provides the legal foundation for any future action a landlord may need to take.

​Detailed Inventories and Regular Inspections 📸

​To prevent disputes over property damage, landlords should conduct a thorough inventory at the beginning of the tenancy, complete with photos or videos. Regular, pre-arranged inspections can help landlords identify and address potential issues before they escalate. Keeping a written record of all communication with the tenant is also vital. This includes emails, letters, and documented notes of phone calls.

​Deposit Protection Schemes 💰

​UK law requires landlords to protect a tenant’s deposit in one of three government-approved schemes. This isn’t just a requirement; it also offers a neutral third party to resolve disputes over deposit deductions at the end of the tenancy.

​The “Double-Edged Sword” The current legal framework aims to balance the rights of both parties. ⚖️ While it provides a clear path for landlords to evict troublesome tenants, it also ensures that tenants have protection from unfair evictions and harassment. This balance is what makes the situation feel like a “double-edged sword” to both sides. A tenant with a genuine dispute can withhold rent for valid reasons, such as a lack of urgent repairs, while a landlord may see this as a breach of contract.

​Ultimately, the best protection for a good landlord is to be a professional one. By being fair, communicative, and diligent in following legal procedures, they can build a strong case for action if and when they encounter a bad tenant.

Tiffy Belle ❤️

by Tiffany Belle Harper

Technology and Safety: Addressing UK’s Modern Challenges

​Aside from the million things happening here, unbelievable tales to say the least… Huge congratulations 🎊 to Ben Leo 🇺🇸. Love to Bev. Wow 💕

With all the protests happening across the UK, I’ve been wondering if anyone has considered setting up designated protest areas to contain them. That way, people trying to get to work could arrive on time, public transport would be less affected, and emergency services would have clearer access.

​Please accept my apologies. I’ve been very busy with animal welfare lately and haven’t kept up with current events, though I did watch a brief summary last night. Like many others, my main concern is the undocumented, off-grid individuals arriving in the UK. How are our policing and security systems adapting to thousands of men appearing on our shores, especially given their underground economy? And what about the right of women and girls to feel safe, both online and in our communities?

Moving on from that point, if technology can be misused by a stalker to track someone, surely we can also use it for good. Can we not detect the origin of the terrible fires that are increasingly occurring on our land.

Anyway, here are my flowers! I’m chuffed. By the way, the capsule-shaped object is symbolic of a rocket, GB News—and believe it or not, some wild dolphins! Patrick really nailed the commentary. Another happy ending!

A huge hug to Donny across the shore. Proud of you, lovely. Keep going. God Bless. 🤗

Tiffy Belle 💕

by Tiffany Belle Harper

Tools for Cowards. Bloggy Afternoon Soon. Oh yes!

Looking ahead to a bloggy afternoon. I am behind, since I am shattered. This is due to losing out on sleep during my busiest annual phase with work. I am used to eight rooms. With just two to take care of at my homestay, the workload is more than manageable. Though I also had friends stay on the top floor, then my lot of pets are a daily commitment. not to mention the care of my heavenly container pots in the yards!

The washing is a perpetual cycle. Literally … And there’s been community projects here and there. it’s a heatwave. Boom! Good to be useful. Good to be busy. Good to be here. You’re welcome!

I play my Alexa on low throughout the night to avoid hearing my guests thumping around. Their body weight determines the extent of the noise on the ceiling. Since November 2022 the Alexa has been a part of the harassment package I have contended with. At 3.45 am the volume climbs up. I have in the past actually watched the sound on the app slide across while being hands free. In turn, the burst of volume wakes me during the prime of my sleep. It also disturbs my pets and sometimes the guests. Since it starts to get light around 4am, I get up and potter. So it’s rather a cruel cycle with the ease of today’s abundance of hacking tools for cowards.

But anyway, I have researched the topic of keylogging and cyber harassment. Plus stalking and loss of privacy extensively. It’s quite the thing out there. Staying positive, dating myself. A lot’s been going on. More later. Loving those tailored suits across the pond too! Very dapper. Men are nailing fashion these days. From casual to formal. Prints, textiles, ties and jackets.

Housekeeping next, then I’ll be back shortly. By the way my little gypsy style snug had a lick of paint. Cute and traditional. Cosy. Nice. And I just said goodbye to guests, realising I looked blooded. I carried out a vase of dead lilies from the hallway. All that orange pollen from the middle of the anthers stuck to my chin and vest top. I am multi-tasking right now!

Tiffy Belle 💕

by Tiffany Belle Harper