Irresponsible Landlors

alessev1

Hi everyone,
I have a issue with a landlord, which is not taking his duty seriously.
Last month (23/01) a problem with a blocked, waste water pipe arise.It flooded the extension,and i can't describe the smell coming. the extension apparently is not legally build and when build the main hole was tiled over.the landlord came twice to the property , just expecting and ask me to go and check where the main hole is, as he was thinking it might be joined with the neighbours.On the 3rd week finally Dyno-Rods came and sorted it for less than a half hour and charged him (£100).
Also during this the washing machine broke and he said he will buy new one.
Today , 18/02 i still do not have a washing machine and i am being also chased by the letting agency for not paying the rent on time.They thretened me to evict me as i have not pay on time.
In fact i paid them £600 cash(got the receipt) ans give them a letter with explanation of my action and that the rest £600 would be paid when i receive the washing machine.Also i explained that i would withhold £100 as re-inbursment for washing in the public laundry and all hassle and telephone calls.
I have 3 children, one is a baby and such a situation does not make it easy for me.
The Letting agents had the right go of me as i should not do such a thing, but i want to prove a point, that i keep my duty as a tenant and the landlord is not.
Please tell what do you think about that and what you would have done.
Am I being un-reasonable to keep the £100.
I pay £1200 per month rent and the minimum is to have a house in useable conditions.
So, what do you think?
Thanks for all opinions.

BitterAndTwisted

You cannot withhold your rent and try to hold your landlord to ransom for the sake of a replacement washing-machine which the landlord has already agreed to replace. In my opinion you are not being reasonable threatening to deduct anything from the rent and if you persist you risk being issued with a Notice To Quit once your tenancy agreement ends. I suspect with three children this may be inconvenient.

G_M

If the landlord does not comply with his legal responsibilities you must enforce them in the proper way.
Not paying your rent just means you are not complying with your legal responsibilities.
Have you reported the problems to a) the agent and/or b) the landlord in writing? By recorded delivery? This is an essential 1st step.
This should be followed up by a reminder, again in writing, giving a time limit for the LL to remedy the problems.
If this does not work, then you enforce through the courts and/or environment dept at the council.

For more information, read the Shelter advice.

alessev1

Thanks for the advice.
I could have been in the wrong by withholding the rent but I got my new washing machine and everything sorted.
Of course the landlord got his rent.
Happy,happy,happy!