Landlord dragging heels on repairs

Hazel2705

Hi, I'm new so apologise if this is the wrong section.

I recently rented a house. So far in the 5 weeks we have lived here the ensuite shower started leaking and coming through the ceiling, the boiler isn't working (I can heat water up through the electric immersion though electric costs more than gas) so have no heating. Now the oven has stopped working (can still grill though).

I was warned not to rent from this landlord as he isn't good for maintenance but I thought "how bad can he be", I now know. Unfortunately he owns 99% of the houses in my area so not much choice but to rent from him.

If it was just me and my husband we wouldn't worry to much but I have a 10 month old baby so having no heating (not too bad now as it's summer) and not being able to cook anything is a problem.

Is there anything protecting tenants from landlords not doing repairs in a certain time limit? He just won't do them and it's been weeks now.

I''m obviously angry as we are paying rent and unable to use the facilities that come with the house, I could have rented a house without these things and paid less pcm.

Thanks for any advice

basmic

I'm not 100% sure if you're legally allowed to this or not, but I believe you can withhold your rent until he completes the repairs to your satisfaction.

In your circumstances, I would (and have done). Just ensure you definitely have the rent set aside when the repairs are complete and pay the outstanding weeks/months rent.

baldelectrician

It depends where you are.

In Scotland there is landlord registration and the Local Authority have a landlord registration office. They can prevent the landlord from remaining on the list of 'fit and proper' landlords should they not rent houses in a good and safe state- you should always write to the landlord or agent in the first instance and keep a copy of all letters
They only do this as a last resort- the council (like many departments prefer the carrot to the stick). They will still use a stick as a last resort.

If you have a mobile you could text as you can download software for many phones that allow you to print off the texts (may be needed as proof)

Check with your local council first

freeoffers

When i first moved into my place in London the boiler wasnt working. phoned the landlord and it took 2 weeks to get it fixed. i withheld the rent and my landlord agreed to wack a 1/3 off the rent, especially as it was over winter time. i'm sur ei could have gotten more off but as i'd just moved in i accepted his offer.
money talks!!!

williham

You're definitely not supposed to withhold rent on those grounds but it might make him see sense I suppose.

stationaryace

if you moved this thread onto the house buying, selling and renting thread you'd get a better response (don't know how to do that myself, sorry)

maggie111

What steps have you taken to resolve it??

Hazel2705

Surprisingly the maintenance men turned up today and replaced the oven for a brand new one :j.

Just the heating and the shower tray now. I'm not able to withold rent as paid for 6 months up front after DH work references weren't returned by his HR.

I'm finding being nice to the maintenance men and the woman in the office is getting me some results now and they are taking pity on me coping without an oven, heating or a shower with a baby in the house.

I just thought there might be a law protecting tenants from this situation.

I'll have a look over in the housing section (I didn't even see that section )