LL responsibility re cracked window

peppa-pig

We are about to move into a rented house next month and one of the windows downstairs is cracked right agross the pain. The tenant who is in there atm has put sellotape on it. Its a double glazed window and only one sheet of glass is affected.

Before we move in is it reasonable for us to expect this glass to have been replaced?

We have 2 small children and would be worried of anything happening in the future.

Many thanks

DawnW

It should really be replaced. Why did you sign the contract without stipulating this (and getting any agreement to do so in writing)? You can ask for it to be done now, but some unscrupulous landlords will not bother once that bit of paper is signed. It will be quite an expensive job, I should think. Hopefully you have a decent LL.

There is just a chance he / she did not know about it. If they have proper LL insurance, accidental damage is covered, though not becessarily malicious acts by tenants. If the previous people bothered to cover it with sellotape, that indicates that it was not intentionally done by them.

If all else fails, for heavens sake make sure that the damage is noted on the inventory which is signed by both you and the LL /LA.

peppa-pig

Haven't signed anything yet. Just wanted to check where I stood before hand.

The other tenant hasnt handed the keys in yet so not sure if the LL knows about it.

Thanks for your reply!

theartfullodger

It should be repaired: Any sensible LL would want it repaired.

If it is still there when you move in you can take many steps (see
http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/repairs_and_bad_conditions/repairs_in_private_lets
)
to "encourage" LL to get it repaired...

However the easiest thing would perhaps be, before the current tenant departs, to point out, innocently, to LL/agent that the window is broken & ask when it is being fixed (along with any other minor problems?? Don't give them too long a list - they might decide you are too much trouble! (Unfair I know, but it happens)

Certainly if it is still there when you move in make sure it is documented (on the inventory or write within 1st couple of days, keeping a copy)

Cheers!

Lodger

peppa-pig

i'm sure he will get it repaired. i've already been on at him re the state of the laminate flooring and he is sorting that. he seems reasonable enough so all should be ok.

thanks for your replies!