VERY URGENT ADVICE NEEDED Landlord refusing to make repairs causing a fire risk

TJ27

A few years ago I bought a very basic timer switch for my immersion. You press it once for half an hour, twice for an hour, three times for two hours. It ensures that your header tank doesn't boil but also saves money, as you can never forget to switch the thing off.

I think it was well worth the twenty odd quid I paid for it. It was very simple to install, although you shouldn't do so unless you're confident about your ability.

Simple measures such as this are very cheap and easy. Really, a responsible landlord would get this sort of stuff done in a flash. But if he won't, I'd be tempted to do it myself. And if your landlord continues not to care, move at your earliest convenience.

Hopefully the council will serve an emergency notice though.

sooz

TJ27 - if it was their own house, I would agree with you.

However, I would not recommend to anyone that they start fiddling with a LL's defective heating/hot water system.

By all means, insist that the LL do it, involve the council & enviromental health, & as a last resort, after submitting letters & quotes, pay a professional to fix it for you (& then withold that money from the rent) but please don't DIY.

neverdespairgirl

Your poor sister! What a horrible position to be in, when heavily pregnant. Hope the council can and do help out.

lauraza

Hi everyone, have been making a few calls and have had a really positive response from the local council. They put me in touch with the private tenancy liasion officer, who has arranged for a full, free electrical check of the entire house. They have also advised us to make a clear, written request to the LL requesting repairs and drawing his attention to his legal obligations which has now been sent to him, as this had only been done verbally.

I've suggested they look at other properties but as she is 3 weeks from the birth and on crutches I don't think that is an option in the very near future unfortunately!

Scousebird_2

I completely understand what your sister is going through because I have had a similar experience only I am frightened of this happening to us at home so we have chosen to move. I wish you luck with this one as I think it's discusting that your sister is paying the landlords mortgage and is being a selfish weasel when it comes to doing the repairs!!