Clairehdp | ExpatWoman.com
 

Clairehdp

2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 July 2013 - 19:59
Could your DH put them in camp here and look after them? Or hire a maid from one of the agencies for a few weeks to help him? If the tables were turned and it was his mother, would he think twice about leaving them with you? Her little one is only 21 months old so won't be able to do a camp. I would imagine that her husband would need to continue working. It's such a hard call isn't it. when I got the call re my Dad my husband was travelling so all arrangements had to be made with him out of the frame really. he was able to come back but by then my friend was there and had the house running like clockwork! Also really nice for me to know that someone was with the kids and my husband could continue to work while I didn't have to worry about anyone other than my Dad.
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 July 2013 - 19:09
It's really tough and a situation I found myself in when we were there. My best friend from the UK flew over - dropped everything and took over the care of the kids whilst I flew back to my Dad. If you can't organise something like that I would take with as the other ladies have said and see if you can perhaps find a lovely local childminder who will look after the children or a friend whilst you are at the hospital. The only other option is to look at the temporary sponsorship - I remember a few years ago there was a change to the laws and you could temporarily sponsor someone elses maid. Is there a really good friend who has left her housemaid in Dubai for the summer who would be happy for you to temporary sponsor. Someone who knows your children? If not and I'm not even sure if they do this temporary thing any more then I would take them with you. Sorry you are facing such a tricky time.
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 July 2013 - 19:03
Having recently been through the hospital system there are so many forms that have to be completed now and I was told that they are really tightening up on people flying in for free treatment. Just interested - if you have a private medical insurance in Dubai why can you not use it when over in the UK - why does it have to be trying to get a freebie NHS? I know people who have their annual check ups etc on their private medical insurance when over in the UK for the summer and have had no problems with the claim. Not sure if it is continuation of care etc but perhaps coming over on your insurance policy if the surgery cannot be offered in Dubai is the way to go.
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 July 2013 - 18:49
Frimley Park? That's where I was. I'm about 10 mins from there so if there's anything he needs or would like a little visitor I'm very happy to pop in or drop something in to him. You have my e mail - drop me a line xx Ruth M - you raise such valid points. My experience of the last couple of weeks has been unbelievable and I am hugely grateful for the excellent care I received. I have private medical insurance but was informed that I was too serious to be moved away from emergency trauma as I had to stay under the emergency trauma consultant. All my emergency tests and treatment were in the trauma unit and each and every nurse, dr, consultant etc that attended to me were the most caring, knowledgeable and professional people I could ever wish to meet. As soon as I was no longer considered emergency my care and treatment moved over to a private consultant and into the private wing of the hospital so I could free up my space for someone else who could benefit from top drawer NHS care. I too have been watching the 24 hours in A&E and to see what these teams are able to do to save people's lives all on the NHS is fascinating. We are extremely lucky to have these facilities available to us. Yes - they don't always get it right but the centres of excellence here have saved the lives of at least 2 of my friends who were flown back to the UK as the Drs in Dubai could not offer the level of treatment they required. Emlsnre - I hope your husband is OK. I am doing great - back to hospital this week for more results and still on high dose drugs but feel like I can take on the world again! Glad to hear you are ok... Dh wont be too far from you I think. Is it Friars Park?
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 July 2013 - 18:42
So sorry you are feeling so low and lost. I just thought I would pop on to let you know that it's not all doom and gloom in the UK. Recently 5 of my really good friends have changed jobs - one was made redundant and found an even better job within a month so came out with a super pay off and is thoroughly enjoying her new role. The others just felt like a change and all have found really good positions. This morning I got a note from another friend letting me know she was returning college to do a digital marketing course - another is setting up a new photography company. We got together with our neighbours yesterday and were commenting that out of 10 people in our road 5 have changed their jobs within the last year. All great moves and only 1 due to redundancy. So, if you do end up having to return I can tell you it's actually a very nice place to be. I loved Dubai and was worried that I would be miserable returning as so many people there have this fear of coming back - it's been an amazing move for us. We get to go back to Dubai quite a bit which is great too as my husband still has Dubai in his work region so he's there alot! We may return one day too but - for the moment - we are having a really nice time and the kids are thoroughly enjoying being in a real british school doing very british things! I hope if Dubai is your preferred place to be that things come together for you but I hope my comments have helped if you do decide to come home.
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 July 2013 - 18:31
We used Airpets too from UK to Dubai (for our cat - not dog but the same results!). We used Alison from the Dubai Doghouse to organise everything and she was superb. We are back in the UK now and we used her to handle flying out cat out of dubai. All ran smoothly. You have to make sure all the vaccinations are up to date and i'm not sure I'm up to date with what the rules are with rabies etc so make sure you clear that but cornish pixie has done it recently so will be a good point of ocntact for you. We had airpets collect our animal from our home in the UK and Alison met her at Dubai airport and delivered her to our villa in Dubai. She texted us to say all was good so my husband knew roughly what time Millie the cat would arrive at the front door. We sent her out ahead of me and the kids arriving so she had a few quiet days in the villa just with my husband to find her feet and get used to her new surroundings. That worked perfectly. On her return alison was excellent and recommended a night flight because of the intense heat of the summer which is something I hadn't really thought about. She's a super person - very professional and extremely easy to deal with on e mail from the UK.
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 July 2013 - 13:13
My little boy loved him. I thought he was a very lovely gentle man who clearly knows what he's doing. Can't comment about bedside manner as we did not have to go the operation route just a hearing check. He soothed my little boy and laughed with him and made him feel at ease when he was in the soundproof booth which for little ones can be quite scary.
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 July 2013 - 13:09
Ruth M - you raise such valid points. My experience of the last couple of weeks has been unbelievable and I am hugely grateful for the excellent care I received. I have private medical insurance but was informed that I was too serious to be moved away from emergency trauma as I had to stay under the emergency trauma consultant. All my emergency tests and treatment were in the trauma unit and each and every nurse, dr, consultant etc that attended to me were the most caring, knowledgeable and professional people I could ever wish to meet. As soon as I was no longer considered emergency my care and treatment moved over to a private consultant and into the private wing of the hospital so I could free up my space for someone else who could benefit from top drawer NHS care. I too have been watching the 24 hours in A&E and to see what these teams are able to do to save people's lives all on the NHS is fascinating. We are extremely lucky to have these facilities available to us. Yes - they don't always get it right but the centres of excellence here have saved the lives of at least 2 of my friends who were flown back to the UK as the Drs in Dubai could not offer the level of treatment they required. Emlsnre - I hope your husband is OK. I am doing great - back to hospital this week for more results and still on high dose drugs but feel like I can take on the world again!
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 July 2013 - 03:11
I know many people in Dubai who have returned to the UK for treatment. I myself was rushed into hospital seriously ill last week and the care and treatment I received was absolutely outstanding. Believe me when I tell you I was the happiest ever to be in the UK - treatment is on-going and back to hospital next week but I have to say that there were no signs of cutbacks with my treatment. I was in emergency trauma so had a battery of tests within minutes of my admission and all on the NHS. We are seriously enjoying our new life back in the UK - I never watch Jeremy Kyle show - I saw it a couple of times and it's so alien to the life we are experiencing here. Just had the best day ever sitting in the garden all day with great friends - we were all saying that when the sun is out it's a heavenly place to be. Strawberry season, Wimbledon - it's fabulous! And that comes from me - who adores Dubai too!
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 July 2013 - 02:59
Ooooh we had a fabulous bucket list and pretty much did it all! Breakfast at the Sheik Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding followed by a stroll around Bastakiya with my camera and a great friend was a favourite of mine. Checking in for our last week to Dar Al Mayaf was most definitley the highlight! The Seaplane flight is not to be missed At the top burj khalifa Photo shoot in the desert too - that was one of the best things we did as we have the canvas pictures all over our new house and they are amazing. Having the girls over to drink the villa dry - that was a great night - everyone bought different dips and we drank and dipped and chatted about all the great times we had all had together. Al Qasr brunch with a gorgeous group of friends Cocktails at Atmosphere A last minute dash to the Antiques Museum before the container left so I could pack in some more arabic nic nacs and just a few more pashminas! The surprise party my lovely friends put on for me at Caramel!
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 June 2013 - 12:15
Damn. We're all due at the same time so will mean carrying 6 passports for two years every time we travel :( Thanks for the info. Sanddy Dogg - I thought the same as you but when we got ours back the passport office had clipped them together so it's no problem - they are just thicker - it doesn't mean you have to find all 6 passports - you just have 3 fat juicy ones!
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 June 2013 - 12:13
We lived in Jumeirah Islands when it was first handed over - it was extremely social as we were all new together. So many parties and get togethers - we absolutely loved it there. The club house was promised and promised and promised - I think it was more like 5 years late! But it is lovely! To be fair those who moved in at the beginning were all given membership of fitness first as the clubhouse was delayed so we couldn't really complain. We had very little issues with our villa but some clusters had a poor build quality and when it rained they experienced quite a lot of water damage. The communal play areas are lovely and there are tennis courts. We would often meet friends at the park and have a picnic with the kids. I still love going back there and have friends who have been there from day 1! You are only a few minutes drive from Spinneys town centre one way or Ibn Battuta the other way and now marina mall across szr - so it's really handy. Palm district cooling charges are high - so be warned! We moved to Arabian Ranches as our school run was not great from Jumeirah Islands. I have to say that of the two places (and remember I loved Jumeirah Islands!) I far preferred Arabian Ranches. The new roundabout was in when we moved there so getting in and out was fine - you are 15/20 minutes to pretty much everywhere from there! I saw more of Dubai living there than I did living in Jumeirah Islands. If I had my time again I would have gone to Arabian Ranches from day 1 apart from when we arrived it was in the middle of the desert! The villas are lovely, the community is great, easy to get taxis, lots of places deliver, kids are safe and can ride their bikes, lots of great communal pools and play areas. Tips and Toes!!!!! I loved it there and if I came back I would return there in a heart beat. Go onto Dubizzle and keep your eyes on villas and areas and see what is coming up. I've not heard of that property agency. We used Landmark and had the most superb agent who is now a lovely friend! she's not working there anymore or I would recommend her to you! Good luck you are at the start of an amazing adventure - enjoy!
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 June 2013 - 11:57
If it's a group of couples La Loca at the Dubai Marine resort is a fabulous mexican restaurant - you can get jugs of margaritas on the table while you tuck into a huge selection of delicious food. Trader Vics is always good with a crowd. Love Rivington Grill at The Madinat. The Ivy is one of my favourites. The Grand Grill at the Habtoor Grand never fails to impress - if there are around 12 of you you can eat in their private room which is lovely on the left as you go into the restaurant. I also love Teatro when there is a group of you as the menu there seems to suit so many different tastes.
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 June 2013 - 15:03
The dinner cruise on bateaux Dubai is fabulous. The food is superb ( I'm sure their vegetarian option would be good) and you get to see Dubai from the creek. I loved it - very different and a great way to enjoy the sights.
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 22 June 2013 - 12:01
Barzar at the madinat works well for a group of mums they often have drink promotions too - always a good night out. My favourite place for mums night out is caramel at difc <em>edited by Clairehdp on 22/06/2013</em>
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 June 2013 - 19:58
I love the private room at the Grand Grill. There's a private room at Toshi at the Grand Millenium There's also a section in time out for private dining areas http://www.timeoutdubai.com/restaurants/search/all-locations/13-private-dining-area?pagelimit=25&page=3 Gaucho has an amazing private room too! <em>edited by Clairehdp on 09/06/2013</em>
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 June 2013 - 17:57
You can normally find them in the freezer section. Spinneys, Geant, Carrefour - they are usually by the frozen samosas and dim sum type products.
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 June 2013 - 12:59
Jebel Ali Beach resort is always lovely - just a bit out of town but you feel like you are really on holiday there and it's reasonable - they do a really good bbq lunch Can't beat a day pass at JBH too
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 June 2013 - 12:54
There's a new scheme that came in in April this year that allows new build properties to be bought with just a 5% deposit. I think the news article was all about the figures now in following this new scheme. It used to be unheard of for just a 5% deposit but this scheme seems to have kick started the new property market - especially in the London area. You won't need anywhere near 100%! Here's the weblink to the newbuy scheme - not sure if you would be eligible as an expat though...... http://www.newbuy.org.uk/
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 June 2013 - 23:24
Hi again, Yet another question... If I file a complaint with the rent committee and I win, does the landlord have to give me the money back? (The 3.5% of the rent to file the complaint) I have heard about this but haven't seen anything written on an offical website. Has anyone got experience of this? Thank you We won our case a few years ago now and the money you pay out to file a case is definitely deducted from your annual rent - so our landlord ended up getting less rent from us as he had to absorb the rent committee fees from the rent he was charging. He was furious!
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 June 2013 - 23:21
Is he/she not too young for school? Not yet 3? I'd highly recommend the children's garden in The Green community - just down emirates road from motor city. Best schools imo from Motor city would be Jebel ali Primary (they take from year 1 I think) and Repton who take from nursery - think rising 4. If you are living in Motor City then the new Victory Heights school would be a good option but its not open yet so no track record. hth
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 June 2013 - 17:51
We lost our cat a few years ago on Arabian Ranches. We don't know how she got out but she did!..... We did leaflets, engaged security who were fantastic, handed out pictures to the gardeners and incentivised housemaids to look out for a reward, sent pictures on e mail to all the vets and pounded the streets shaking cat biscuits. I had a few calls but none resulted in finding her. We had given up completely when I got a call one afternoon to say this lady thought our cat had just been in her garden (just up the road from where we lived). I dashed over but no sign of her. That night my husband thought he would try one last time to search up that side of the road and an hour later he strolled in with Mildred our 13 year old cat in his arms!!!! I had given up any hope of seeing her again - it was so exciting and apart from being a little bit thin she was absolutely fine! I hope you get reunited with your pet.
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 19:42
www.theframedpicturecompany.co.uk
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 17:45
Mauritius - especially with little ones the Mauritians are so lovely and adore children. We have had some fabulous holidays there when our kids were small.
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 17:02
not been to one recently but have been to quite a few in the past and they were all fantastic fun. they give each child an apron to wear and they have a paper hat with their name on it. They are shown how to make pizzas and are given a pizza baking tray and a piece of pizza dough and shown how to press the dough out in the tray. they are given the tomato sauce to put on and then there are lots of different toppings which they can choose to put onto their pizza. all the pizzas are then cooked and served to each child as their party tea. While the pizzas are cooking the parties we have been to organised some activity. One had a really good magician and another got the mad science people to come in - the kids loved it. the pizzas are served with drinks and then it's time for birthday cake and go home - no clearing up!
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 May 2013 - 14:30
My little girl got a gorgeous baking kit (i think it came from Lakeland). Little chefs hat, apron, little rolling pin, cookie cutting shapes and a little recipe book. we have had so much fun making cookies together.
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 May 2013 - 14:21
I would give mine a multi vitamin every day - they kept super healthy as others dropped like flies! I would buy the kids chewy ones like a big blackcurrant jelly sweet and they never had a problem taking them. worth a try.
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 May 2013 - 11:47
I bought my 2 their own headsets as they are more comfortable than the airline headsets and loaded their iPads up with loads of movies programmes and games as they get older its so much easier. Bth of mine just plug in and are great travel companions!
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 May 2013 - 11:42
Contact consumer rights in Dubai or tell the dealership that you will be reporting them to consumer rights dept http://www.consumerrights.ae/
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 May 2013 - 11:24
I have a dh like that so hard to get him something he hasn't already got! Best thing I got him for iPod/iPad is ths from snag and Olufsen - he was blown away http://www.beoplay.com/Products/BeoPlayA8?utm_source=bang-olufsen.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=Bang-Olufsen.com%2BProduct%2BPage&utm_term=Learn%2Bmore&utm_content=BeoPlay%2BA8%2B%3A%2BAll#at-a-glance The other thing that was very well received and used in the garden for BBQ parties was a fabulous wireless iPod dock speaker system http://www.harmankardon.com/en-ca/products/pages/productlist.aspx?sid=ids
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 May 2013 - 20:30
Westin Bubbalicious brunch is fabulous. I've heard really good things about The Ivy brunch although not tried it yet myself. I also like The Address brunch.
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 May 2013 - 18:04
there is another thread about relocating to Europe. We returned to the UK with DASA and I would highly recommend them.
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 May 2013 - 18:03
We also used DASA to return to the UK and they were absolutely superb. Easy to deal with, did everything they said they would do, the packing team were excellent and the unpackers back in the UK were superb too. Big thumbs up for them.
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 22 May 2013 - 13:20
this should help her. there is a section where you can search for a drs surgery if she puts in her post code http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/how-can-i-see-a-gp-if-im-away-from-home.aspx?CategoryID=68&SubCategoryID=158
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 22 May 2013 - 13:15
Does she have a driving licence? that would be proof that she lives in the UK too. Does she pay any household bills? She could take a copy of a bill to prove she is resident in the UK. My mum needed to be seen as an emergency when she was staying with my sister and my sister's doctor agreed to see her - no problem. I hear that all the Drs are clamping down on 'tourist patients'. It's a good thing but it's annoying when you are a resident of the UK, you are ill and need to see someone and you are being asked to prove you are entitled to be seen. Perhaps try a different surgery - there must be another close by that will see her. As long as she tells them that she is registered with a different surgery but has been taken ill whilst away - I think they will see her. She needs to be firm to get past the receptionist! Just as an aside. If your daughter has a driving licence and is now living in a different place whilst doing her internship she needs to change her address as you can get fined for not chaning your address on a driving licence.
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 22 May 2013 - 12:56
just popped back in quickly to post this link. I used to work for this group of venues - I've been to all of them and they offer fantastic rates through the summer as they are primarily used as meeting/training venues and very little training bookings take place in peak holiday season so they offer amazing deals through the summer. The Greenwich venue is best for London. the others offer country house hotel type accommodation with beautiful grounds often a pool and a spa - on tap tea and coffee stations etc etc. Their summer specials are starting at £19 a night for some of their locations - kids stay for free!!!!! http://www.deverevenues.co.uk/offer/venues-summer-lovin-2013/ As I think of others Irooni I will post. If you are coming for 3 weeks then we absolutely will get together with the kids - how exciting! As long as I am not away!
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 May 2013 - 22:14
the premier inns are good and very safe as feefmick says. The county Hall one is right by the London Eye and the Leicester Square one is in a great location. some of the others in London are quite a way out. They do family rooms. http://www.premierinn.com There are also serviced apartments that are great - will try to remember the websites for those for you. another really cost effective accommodation option is the university accommodations that are not used in the summer months. There are also training facilities that are not busy in the summer months - I will see if I can find some links for you. Hope we can meet up if you are coming over to London!
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 May 2013 - 00:27
Definitely Thailand. Or I'd also have The Maldives on my list - especially if it's just the 2 of you.
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 May 2013 - 14:13
I have had an e mail this morning from Phase Eight - they have 20% off everything in the UK - so Sundancing - get your order in!
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 May 2013 - 09:36
You need a nol card for the bus. I'm pretty sure you can buy the nol cards from spinneys and Carrefour - not sure about Geant. I'm almost 99% sure tat you can't buy tickets. You swipe your nol card when you get on and off the bus, hth
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 May 2013 - 20:06
they sell them at the Dubai Library distributor shops http://www.dubailibrary.com/home.php
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 May 2013 - 16:34
The Grand Grill at the Habtoor Grand hotel is great and they make a real fuss of you if it's your birthday and they sing a great birthday song. they will also do a dessert for your birthday. My top choice would be Rivington Grill at the Madinat or Souk Al Bahar Gauchos - difc The Ivy - emirates towers Hukama - the Address Downtown Make sure you tell the restaurant that it's a special occasion as most will do something special for a birthday. Chocoa at the back of mall of the emirates do amazing cakes - you can park right by the shop. Coco;s also do lovely cakes for a birthday. Or....go to one of the cupcake shops and buy some delicious cupcakes. How about a marble slab ice cream birthday cake - they are good or a basin robbins ice cream cake.
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 May 2013 - 14:12
Most housemaids in Dubai work a 6 day week with just 1 day off. not most - only housemaids working for westerners..... Oh OK - many do! :) <em>edited by Clairehdp on 16/05/2013</em>
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 May 2013 - 14:06
I would start looking for a replacement now and give her her notice. If she wants to stay in dubai then she has time to look for a new job. If she cannot find a new job in her notice period I would cancel her visa and send her home on a one way ticket. that is all you are required to do. Don't go buying a return ticket and don't buy on yet until you have spoken to her. I like the idea of asking to see the receipt. If she has booked a ticket then she must have either an e ticket or a receipt. If she cannot provide you with this then you will know she is lying. I also think she's on a good deal. Most housemaids in Dubai work a 6 day week with just 1 day off. She has 2 days off. Do you know for sure that she is not working on those days. How has she managed to afford to buy a ticket home? Most housemaids are not able to save that sort of money and are totally reliant on their sponsors paying for their flight home. It all sounds very dodgy to me and you are probably best off without her. There are always people leaving Dubai and trying to find a good family for their maids to go to. Perhaps put an ad in the classifieds here to see if you can find a good fit for your family. good luck.
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 23:21
I'd go back into the Kodak shop and speak to the manager - tell them they have been rejected and get them to do them again and make sure they do them properly. We had all our photos done in there and they were fine - you perhaps had a person who doesn't understand the rules and regs.
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 13:44
So good to see your update Nippy35. You have achieved so much in such a short amount of time. Friends will come as you get settled and start meeting people. I am back in the UK. If you would like to meet up for a stroll on the beach, a dog walk with my 2 little dogs, let me know - am happy to jump in the car as I seem to remember you saying you were not too far from me. could even do a joint trip to Ikea! claire dot damamme @ ntlworld dot com.
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 13:17
Just something else to throw into the pot.... my little boy is right handed but he eats with his knife and fork as if he is a left handed person. We have tried so many times to tell him his knife and fork are in the wrong hands but he just says it doesn't feel right and he eats better switching them over!
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 12:56
Yalumba
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 12:52
Check your rental calculator - if this is your first year and you reckon you paid over the odds when you moved in then there is no way that your rent will be in the band for an increase. It used to be that there would be no increase in first year but I believe the rental calculator has taken over from this rule although virtually everyone one in their first year would be fine for 2nd year with no increase if they paid market rate - I know rents are increasing but I would be very surprised if they went over the rental band in less than a year. If he wants to change your rental contract (ie get you out so he can put the rent up) he has to give you a years notice. so.....you will be able to stay for at least 1 more year at no rent increase. If he doesnt give you notice then next September he can only raise your rent if the rental calculator shows that he can and if he then wants you out he will need to give you a years notice then. So worse case scenario - you get another year on a non renewable contract thereby giving you a 12 month notice period - if he issues you with a renewal then you will get 2 more years. I'd go and buy that furniture - you can't put your life on hold while a LL tries to think up scams to get you out....... <em>edited by Clairehdp on 15/05/2013</em>
2958
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 12:43
I am also left handed and hold a pencil/pen exactly the same way as a right handed person. I agree with Bella that I also tuck my little finger in - I can't remember if I was ever shown how to do that - I don't think I was I think it was just the way I found to write. My Dad was also left handed so I probably just copied him and he never wrote with his hand curled around. I also don't slant the paper - I just sit down get paper in front of me and write. I never remember anyone at home or at school ever slanting the paper for me. I have just had to check - I use scissors with my right hand but I think that is probably because 50 years ago I bet we never had left handed scissors and there's no way I'm buying a pair now having been able to do perfectly well without them. My little girl went through a phase when she was a toddler of eating with both hands - I thought she was going to end up left handed but she's not. I think when kids are young they are just finding out what feels most comfortable. I was never made to change hands - just encouraged to write nicely. I did damage my left hand years ago and had to use my right for a month and although it felt odd I could write pretty well with my right hand too! The only thing that I find hard is knowing which is my left and my right (I still, even today have to really think about that) because when I was at school we were told that you write with your right so the other hand is your left......errrrrr not when you are left handed!!!!! I would just encourage your little one and let him find out what suits him best.