I rented 3 different flats from 2006-2008, and 3 different houses from 2011-2016, ranging from a brand new flat to a conversion in a 1850s house to grade 2 cottage from the 1700s.
Can't think of any issues with landlords, but then most of them were dealt with by a management company (estate agent or whatever).
I rented out my own flat (which I'd bought in 2008) from 2011-2016 and let the letting agency sort the management. I certainly didn't hear of any issues, occasional bills for plumbers, gas checks, replacement appliance, were taken from the rent, but otherwise it just worked.
The primary reason to buy for us though, as well as being far cheaper (£350pcm mortgage interest vs £800pcm rent), is the security of tenure. If your landlord wants to sell up, or dies, then you might find yourself needed to rent a house with a couple of months notice, which means you might not be able to find anywhere near to your kids schools, or afford it if you can.
renting "somewhere in zone 2" is very different to "renting in the small village you live in". Currently there is just 1 house within 5 miles of mine, but it's in a different council area (so different schools etc). It's also more than the total price of a 90% mortgage on the house value (not just the interest part, the repayment part too)
Can't think of any issues with landlords, but then most of them were dealt with by a management company (estate agent or whatever).
I rented out my own flat (which I'd bought in 2008) from 2011-2016 and let the letting agency sort the management. I certainly didn't hear of any issues, occasional bills for plumbers, gas checks, replacement appliance, were taken from the rent, but otherwise it just worked.
The primary reason to buy for us though, as well as being far cheaper (£350pcm mortgage interest vs £800pcm rent), is the security of tenure. If your landlord wants to sell up, or dies, then you might find yourself needed to rent a house with a couple of months notice, which means you might not be able to find anywhere near to your kids schools, or afford it if you can.
renting "somewhere in zone 2" is very different to "renting in the small village you live in". Currently there is just 1 house within 5 miles of mine, but it's in a different council area (so different schools etc). It's also more than the total price of a 90% mortgage on the house value (not just the interest part, the repayment part too)