Rented Accomodation: No hHeating for 2 week

eco21

Hi,

I live in Glasgow in rented accomodation via an Agency. I went through an agency just for a bit more piece of mind, someone who you can call if something is wrong.

My girlfriend noticed the flat was colder a couple of weeks ago, I put it down to the timer not being set right on the thermostat or something, I came home and had a little look, its a combi boiler, so checked the hot water worked both in the kitchen and the bathroom, then I looked at the boiler itself, couldnt see any obvious dials turned to 0 or something stupid. Thought dont want to play about with it as can go to the agency as it is 25m from my house.

I go to the agency the next day and pay my rent and say my heating isnt working, she says someone will be round. I wait that day and the next few days, no one comes around, I think I wont hassle them, as its not really cold im sure they will be round, I decide enough is enough and go back round, the guy said no one has requested an engineer to come round, so I say please send one round.

Nothing happens, next day, nothign happens. Phone them sorry someone will be around this morning, I wait in, and no one comes, I go out at 5pm for some dinner and come home. Go back around the next day, she says they tried but no one was in, then is like "you said you would be in", i said yes "morning, like you said"

So getting bit annoyed now, I phoned again the next day (Friday), she says they will be around on Monday morning (today) I said are you sure, she says yes, you are first on their list.

I wait in today, I ring them at 3pm; she says the will be here at 4pm, I ring her at 4:30pm ask where they are. She says I have given them your mobile number, and they will ring you when on way, she said she has had some emergencies, and the have had to deal with them.

So all in all, no heating.

Now I want to know what I can do to fix this, I am tempted to phone a local gas guy and get him to fix it, and charge them. Or pay the gas man and pay the rent minus the cost of the gas man.

Now I dont know what i should do, but I am sick of waiting and getting told tomorrow, tomorrow....

I work as a supply teacher and had to turn down a days pay to stay in, £130, and I imagine I will have to do the same tomorrow, I severly doubt anything can be done, but I do want to be awkward to them (its not right but im annoyed) and want to know if there is anything that can be done.

clutton_2

are the radiators switched on ? - do they need bleeding ?

CB1979_2

will reply for him as i know him off another forum.

the boilers f*cked (I believe it's probably the 3 port valve that just isn't working for the heating side), i think the hassle and main query is, with regards to:

1) can he get a plumber of his own and getting the work done and then taking it off his rent?
2) is he due any recompense for loss of earnings?
3) is he due any recompense for no heating for 2 weeks?

etc etc

Rabiddog_2

Keep a diary and a log of who you spoke to and when. Note down promises made and visits not kept. ALso note YOUR financial loss. I would seriously consider taking them to the small claims court or at least get some recompense for inconvenience and time wasted. Get in their face, every day! Dont get fobbed off.Tell landlord about Agency.

poppysarah

Be meticulous in chasing it up. It's not cold though and until much later in the year it's not a priority but they should be making a move to get it sorted before they get busy when everyone turns their heating back on.

tbs624

Rented accommodation in Scotland has to meet the “repairing standard” and part of that is that the installations for the supply of water, gas, electricity, and for sanitation, space heating and heating water must be in a reasonable state of repair and in proper working order (incl. external installations eg.drains).

Just write to the LA keep simply to the facts: address of property, date fault first notified, who spoken to, agreement made, appts kept/not kept, outcome to date Explain briefly that the lack or repair is causing great inconvenience and additional costs to you as the tenant Then say that for the property to meet the repairing standard the heating/hw system has to be kept in safe working order : offer them some specific dates and times that you/a friend can be available at the property or alternatively agree to them having access by key if you are happy to do this.

You have to bear in mind that owner occupiers also get messed around by plumbers et al when it comes to fixing appts but if they are a sizeable LA then they will probably have a contracted firm for this type of work. If the LA still won’t move you can, as a last resort, report them to the Private Rented Housing Panel (PRHP) and/or contact the LSA (Legal Services Agency) in Glasgow 0141 353 3354 for further advice. Shelter Scotland 0808 800 4444 can also give you good advice on repairs issues, including IIRC, a sample letter to use.

Is your LL registered with the local Council btw, as required by law?