Telephone Connection - Rental

amy104

Hi,

We have been living in our rented property for just over 6 months. The last week or so the phone no longer works. BT have ran tests and have advised the fault is most likely a faulty socket or faulty wiring within the property which is not covered by themselves.

Would the landlord be responsible for fixing this?

Gwhiz

If there was a working line before you moved in then I would say it forms part of your tenancy. I would ask the LL anyway, even if this is not the case, as they may be happy to pay if it means keeping a good tenant happy.

As an example my LL always feels ANYTHING that goes wrong in my rental is her responsibility

Insomniac666

in my case, new line was needed and I had to stump up the money to pay BT. LL didnt' want to know.

N79

I'm afraid that technically it is your responsibility as a T (telephone connections are not part of a LL's repairing liability). However, you have nothing to lose by approaching your LL and asking them.

Gwhiz

Insomniac666 wrote: »

in my case, new line was needed and I had to stump up the money to pay BT. LL didnt' want to know.

I think I lucked out big time with mine!!!

N79

Gwhiz wrote: »

I think I lucked out big time with mine!!!

Not necessarily. In certain markets maintaining telephones (and that other area that is not the LL's responsibility - TV aerials and Satellite dishes) is expected by Ts and therefore LL's that operate sucessfully in those markets may consider this work as included. Of course, the rent will reflect the market.

An example is the shortish term professional relocation sector where fairly wealthy professionals wish to rent shortish term because of job relocation or the fact that they are working away from home.

Insomniac666

Actually I moved in after being told it was a long term let, only to find 6 months in the LL changed their minds as "property prices have improved" and want to sell up, so even though i had to being in a new line and enter a 12 month contract with BT, I now have to leave with 4 months left on my line rental contract.

adg1

Your contract will probably state that the landlord has to keep in working order all appliances, electrical fittings and plumbing belonging to the landlord and included at the start of the tenancy. This could be judged to include the telephone cabling in some ways so maybe the LL should help.

Speak to your letting agent and explain the situation, finding the relevant clause in your agreement and see what they say.

I'd say that it probably is your responsibility, though do approach your LL and see if he will pay, or meet you half way etc. Try to find an amicable middle ground if you can.

Fire_Fox

Insomniac666 wrote: »

Actually I moved in after being told it was a long term let, only to find 6 months in the LL changed their minds as "property prices have improved" and want to sell up, so even though i had to being in a new line and enter a 12 month contract with BT, I now have to leave with 4 months left on my line rental contract.

Next time use PlusNet - I have no contract on my landline, only a contract on the broadband, which can easily be ported.

amy104

I'd say that it probably is your responsibility

I do hope not. Its not like I am asking for a service that wasn't there when we moved in, just to fix something that was working but now isn't.

Insomniac666

Does the LL know it's not working yet? you could just approach him and ask to split the cost?