Boiler packed in (again) - landlord/agency's obligations?

roses

Have you got a gas safety certificate & when does it expire
Also most plumbers don't charge a call out fee for a quote. Go through the gas safe website, call 3-4 plumbers local to you & ask for them to come and take a look and for a quote to repair. You can then pass this info on to the agency.

roger196

possibly water hammer?.are pipes vibrating? For a more authorative diagnosis, try posting the problem on www.diydoctor.org.uk under central heating. Try to give as much detail as possible about central heating system.

Fire_Fox

casinojack wrote: »

Thanks again for the further clarifications.
We'll have someone from the agency coming round to the house later as they had already arranged to do a quarterly check, so I'm hoping they'll agree that the temperature is pretty unlivable outside of the lounge (with the fireplace constantly on).

My main issue with them initially was that they said they doubted they could get someone to look at it before Christmas, which would mean 2+ weeks with no central heating or hot water. I'll be buying myself an electric heater anyway as they're probably only twenty quid, which will hopefully help for a couple of days and be handy if it happens again in the future.

CJ

I live in a flat and never heat anywhere barring the living area. Buy an electric underblanket with an overnight setting for your bed, you will be fine. Shower heats up the bathroom, and you can't possibly spend any time in the hall?? I thought you had an immersion for hot water?

tbs624

princeofpounds wrote: »

....The difference between heating/hot water and other repairs is that failure to complete the latter is not an offence, but the former most certainly is an offence, to the point of fines and jail sentences (though it rarely gets that far).

The landlord also has responsibility to provide alternative sources of heating and hot water immediately, although not necessarily cheaper. But if the repair drags beyond a reasonable time you could apply to court for compensation for the added cost...

My understanding of Casinojack's posts is that the Ts *do* have alternative sources of hot water and space heater, in the form of an immersion heater and a usable fireplace. Absolutely not condoning slow-to-act LL/LAs, however, so Casinojack , as others have said, get the record of the boiler problems put in writing to the LA and to the LL. Also, copy it to the TRO (Tenancy Relations Officer ) in the Private Sector Rentals Dept of the local Council.


If you don't have the LLs name and address, apply to the Land Registry for £4. You can also *write* to the LA formally requesting it under the LL& T Act 1985 S1. They would then have 21 days to give you the info or they would be committing a criminal offence(clearly the Land Reg is the quickest route )

Ask the LA/LL to confirm *in writing* a set date to get the boiler fixed. Take temperatures at different times of the day in each room and insist that the LA/LL provides hired heaters for all unheated rooms from HSS or similar until the boiler has been repaired. These can be hired by the day/week and the hire costs should be met by the LL.

You may find it helpful to let the LA know that you intend to ask the local council to inspect the property under the HHSRS (Housing Health & Safety Rating System).Lack of adequate heating is one of 29 recognised housing "hazards".

You haven't mentioned a gas safety certificate - do you have a current one?

If the LA won't get a move on and you are concerned that the boiler is unsafe you may want to call National Grid 0800 111 999