Broken boiler in rented flat - can I get alternative accommodation?

W43rd

The boiler in our rented flat (the only source of hot water and central heating as we have no immersion heater) has broken.

The agency managing the property sent someone round to look and we've been told it'll need to be completely replaced.

This apparently will take minumum several days, maximum a week plus.

Temperatures here at the moment is hovering around zero and they've suggested in the mean time we 'put on an extra jumper' and can borrow a fan heater. As for washing, their suggestion is to pay for showers at a local gym, 20 minutes walk away.

This isn't ideal - am I able to ask that they provide us with alternative accomodation in the meantime? Our road has lots of B+Bs and hotels. It doesn't have to be luxurious - I just want warmth and hot water.

BitterAndTwisted

No, you can't! But you can ask the landlord to provide alternative sources of heating and hot water. Stop telephoning and start WRITING!

W43rd

Erm, thanks - they are going to fix it though - that's not the issue, and they have suggested alternatives (gym in the area and fan heaters)

I just wondered whether there was any likelihood of something more permanent should this go on for a long time.

Debt

You cant ask for alternative accomodation if they are going about doing the repairs. You could stay a few nights away at your own expense if things are really that bad, but do it off your own bat.

W43rd

ok, thanks for the advice folks.

sucks to be a renter I guess, hopefully it won't be more than a week or two.

Planner

W43rd wrote: »

ok, thanks for the advice folks.

sucks to be a renter I guess, hopefully it won't be more than a week or two.

And if you where a home owner you would have got free alternative accomodation?

prudryden

You have nothing to lose by tactfully asking however.

bap98189

If they are going to get a new boiler installed within 1 week, I don't think there is much you can complain about. I doubt very much your landlord is going to put you up for the duration, but I would definitely ask them to either provide some electric heaters or for a rent reduction for the period to enable you to go out and buy some.