Navigating issues with MCR Homes: A tenant's guide

Disclaimer: #notalawyer

I am not a lawyer, and the following advice is based on my personal experience and knowledge. These are common pitfalls I believe you may encounter and hope to help you avoid.

Misc links and documents

• MCR Homes Complaint Procedure: MCR Homes' complaint process PDF can be found here. I followed this procedure but it led to no results. According to them, they did nothing wrong (apart from the flat not being finished)
• Local Authority Assistance: In my case, contacting the Council proved helpful. I got a case agent that was there to help. The agent wanted to come and visit when MCR Homes failed to fix the hot/cold water swap. I only contacted them quite late; had I done it earlier, they would have had time to visit the property before MCR Homes finally fixed things and it may have nudge MCR to progress faster. I reached the council with environmentalhealth@buckinghamshire.gov.uk. (Another email might be more appropriate but I used that one)
• Ombudsman Services: For broader housing issues, the Housing Ombudsman's website offers resources and fact sheets on compensation and more, available here.

Avoid pitfalls

Use email for record-keeping

• Documenting issues: Reporting problems via email provides a clear, timestamped record. While MCR Homes may have a portal for reporting, emails are more straightforward to use in legal contexts. MCR Homes cannot delete emails
• Email after reporting on portal: If you use the MCR Homes portal to report an issue, follow up with an email to living@mcr-homes.co.uk. This ensures there is an easily accessible record outside of the portal.

Caution with settlement offers

• Understanding settlement terms: Be wary of accepting early settlement offers. Legally, accepting such offers can imply satisfaction with the resolution of all grievances. You may inadvertently waive your right to claim these later. Ensure that the settlement covers all aspects or is explicitly stated what it covers before accepting it.
• Comprehensive resolution: Ensure any settlement covers all incurred costs and inconveniences, including additional accommodation, transport, and unresolved issues. Be explicit about what the settlement covers.

Evaluating the worth of legal action

The lawers/solicitors I contacted told me suing them would likely cost more than I would gain from it.

• Cost vs. benefit: Consider the financial implications of legal action. In many cases, the cost of fighting might outweigh potential gains.
• MCR Homes' Approach: My experience suggests that MCR Homes may rely on the prohibitive cost and time of legal action to deter tenants from pursuing claims. If you choose to take action, ensure it’s financially and emotionally viable. MCR Homes seems to rely on this fact, often leading to a lack of urgency in resolving issues.

Additional advice from ChatGPT

Document Everything Thoroughly

• Take Photos and Videos: Document all issues with photos and videos as soon as you notice them. This visual evidence can be invaluable in discussions with the property management or legal proceedings.
• Keep a Detailed Record: Maintain a log of all issues, including dates, descriptions, and any communication you've had with the property management. This record can be crucial in demonstrating a pattern of neglect or poor service.

Understand Your Tenant Rights

• Know Your Legal Rights: Familiarize yourself with tenant rights and housing regulations in your area. Understanding your legal protections can empower you in negotiations and disputes.
• Seek Legal Advice if Necessary: If the situation escalates, consider getting a consultation from a legal professional specializing in tenant rights. They can provide guidance tailored to your situation.

Communicate Effectively and Firmly

• Be Clear and Concise in Communication: When reporting issues, be clear and direct about the problem, its impact on you, and the resolution you expect.
• Follow Up Regularly: Don’t hesitate to follow up if you don’t receive a timely response. Persistent, polite communication can often yield results.

Consider Alternative Dispute Resolution

• Mediation Services: Before legal action, consider using mediation services. They can often help resolve disputes without the cost and time involved in a court case.
• Tenant Unions or Associations: Joining a tenant union or association can provide additional support and resources for dealing with difficult landlords or property management companies.

Plan Financially for Disputes

• Set Aside Funds: If you're considering legal action or expect to incur costs due to property issues, it's wise to set aside some funds to cover these expenses.
• Evaluate Cost-Benefit: Always weigh the potential costs of pursuing action against the possible benefits. Sometimes negotiation and settlement can be more practical than a prolonged legal battle.

Leverage Community Support

• Talk to Other Tenants: If you live in a multi-unit property, talk to other tenants. They might be facing similar issues, and there's strength in numbers.
• Online Forums and Social Media: Share your experiences on relevant forums or social media groups. These platforms can offer advice, support, and sometimes more leverage in dealing with large property management companies.

Prepare for Future Rentals

• Thorough Inspections: Before moving into a new place, conduct a detailed inspection and note any pre-existing issues.
• Read Reviews and Testimonials: Research the property management company or landlord beforehand by reading reviews and testimonials from other tenants.

Emotional and Mental Wellbeing

Take Care of Your Wellbeing: Dealing with housing issues can be stressful. Make sure to take care of your mental and emotional health, seeking support if needed.

Exit Strategy

Have an Exit Plan: If issues persist and affect your quality of life, consider planning an exit strategy. Sometimes, moving to a different property can be a more peaceful and viable solution.

Bad advice from me

If you have a few skills, like being able to make simple websites or make music for your friends and family, you may also want to try fighting back. You know MCR's hubris is high, as they keep getting away with being horrible to people. You don't like it. You may decide they are not going to get away with it this time (even if you sort of know they will). You end up making a website with the documents and pictures you recorded and release a music track on Spotify/AppleMusic/etc. that people can find when searching to buy or rent an MCR Homes property.

MCR Homes is not interested in a win-win outcome (I tried several times); they don't want you to win. If you can afford to spend some time and a bit of money, you can make it so they don't win either.