Withholding rent?

gattina

Hello

Our shower has been broken for 2 weeks.

It was "fixed" last weekend just before we went away for 3 days, coming back to a drenched carpet and water coming through the ceiling.

We've called landlord, the plumber and agency and things seem to be getting sorted slowly (no leak anymore but still wet carpets and no shower)

We have a rolling contract and run through a agency
(we had a 12 month contract but carried on living month by month after this and now been there 2 1/2 yrs)

Can we suggest any money off the rent? We only have electric heaters and wonder how long it will take to dry without using them (which cost a lot!)

I'm not sure if we have any right but my partner wants to deduct rent

eeek!

adg1

If you withold rent or reduce the rent then you are in breach of your contract. In this instance keep pressing for the works to be done ASAP, and makre sure you keep a record of all letters etc.

The property, is though, slowly becoming uninhabitable I would guess if you have water through the roof so talk to the agent/landlord and insist they buck their ideas up and get it done soon.

If it does become uninhabitable you have a right to be rehoused whilst work is going on, but check that with your original contract.

Fire_Fox

Do not withhold rent as you will be in breach of your AST, you need to put your complaints into writing and send the letter recorded delivery to both the landlord and letting agents.

gattina

thanks for the replies!

henrik1971

It might be worth googling 'tenants self help'. The scenario you describe is something which the courts have been considering and tenants rights are strengthening all the time.

blckbrd

Nothing to stop you asking the LL for a reduction but you can't withold rent and be in the right.

Do you have any alternative washing facilities? Or are you completely without?

Alias_Omega

You could hire a rug-doctor from the local B&Q, Morrisons etc.

This is only £20 (£25 with sofa hoses etc) and will help clear the water from the carpets, also can be used to clean all carpets / sofa's etc. A bit of 2-in-1 really. (i believe the rug doctor from morrisons comes with the cleaning fluids you need so £35)

Not only do you get to clean the sofa, you also get to clear the water from the carpets and maybe a chance to get the cash back from the landlord.

Afterwards, im sure the landlord would refund £20-35 if you cleaned the carpet for them after the damage.

I guess, the rest would be sorted slow time.

Help the landlord by helping yourself..

Regards,

Alias