shower

joetwizzy

Wondering if anyone could help. I have searched the internet and not found much. I have been renting a property for what will be the forth month now. Since I moved in the shower did not work, I have made numerous phone calls to the landlady and the estate agent. I still have not had it done. Does anybody know the law on this? Am I entitled to a portion of the rent back?
Thanks

pinkshoes

In what way does the shower not work? Do you not have a bath or any other way of washing??

You perhaps need to be more persistant, writing a letter sent recorded delivery, highlighting when the problem was first acknowledged, and how long it's been. Tell them that if it's not sorted in 10 working days, you will be taking 3 quotes to get it fixed, then approving the cheapest quote, and deducting the cost from your rent.

zone

Have you checked if the shower is connected to your mains; or if there is a fault? If its a minor repair you could get the work done and ask to be reimbursed.

Did you raise the matter with your agent at the start of your tenancy when you realised it wasnt working?

tbs624

Did the shower work when you first moved in - if it didn't did the LA/LL draw your attention to this? If it stopped working shortly after you moved in did you notify the LL straight away *in writing*?

If you are getting nowhere then you should write to the LA now, send a copy to the LL and keep a copy yourself. put on the bottom of the letter cc: Tenancy Relations Officer, xxxxxxx Council.

Simply state that the shower is not working , state the dates on which you have contacted them asking for it to be repaired and ask them to get it fixed within the next 7 days. Tell them that if they are unable to organise this then you will get three quotes for the work to be done. Do not withhold rent - you can get the work done yourself but a set procedure has to be followed and it is best done with the guidance of an experienced LL&T CAB worker or a Shelter adviser (0808 800 444) See their guide on getting repairs done here

A LL has to get repairs dealt with within a "reasonable time" once the T has properly notified him/her of an repairs issue but even if you have access to a bath or basin as alternative washing facilities, four months is way past "reasonable".

If your LA/LL does not respond to your letter contact the Private Sector Rentals Team/Tenancy Relations Officer at the local Council. It costs you nothing and they can liaise with the LL if necessary.