Should pay the reduced rent this month?

BitterAndTwisted

The OP is in London as am I. I've had all of the windows fully open all day and the temperature has been above 16 degrees Centigrade. It sounds to me tht the OP is determined not to pay their rent in full against all advice given. This would be very, very foolish.

OP you need to discuss a rent-reduction with your landlord and come to a mutual agreement. To do anything else would not be reasonable and would be very risky. Do you want to risk being evicted? Because that's what I think will be the result. If I were your landlord I'd evict you, no question.

myothercarisaferrari

are you in SE London by any chance?

Theogirl_2

While I definitely wouldn't withhold rent I think that the landlord should agree a rent reduction in this case (if it really is his responsibility). I would explain your costs and the inconvenience and see if he offers a small refund.

We rented a property out and the boiler didn't work for 2 days in the summer and we offered a rent reduction, it just seemed like the right thing to do in the circumstances. I also felt terrible about it (as you can tell I wasn't cut out to be a landlord!)

benjii

Thank you for your advice. We’re are still without electricity (10 days in total).

I live in NW London and the temperature drops to 17 degrees at our flat. We keep the double glazed windows closed at all times. Additionally, I’ve put some sealant around the entrance doors. It’s still extremely cold despite wearing 2 pairs of thick socks, trousers and sports tops.

The landlord eventually answered our phone calls on Sunday after 2 days of our efforts to get in touch with him. He said that the electrician will come today (Monday) to carry out a ‘temporary job’ as he still has to apply to EDF for a proper electricity connection.

I’m aware of my contractual obligations to pay the rent but I also aware of my obligation to support my family. I have a feeling that if this is not fixed today, I should not pay the rent for the next month and move somewhere else. He has 1-month deposit but I can always try to get it back once we are in a flat with all basic services.

If this gets fixed today, I’m intending to ask for a 60% reduction on our rent: £780 x 40% = £312. I think it’s fair as not only we lived in a flat that did not fulfil the standards that we agreed to when signing the contract, but the whole situation also has affected our physical and emotional health.

Also, I’m aware that some of you may think that not paying the rent or applying a 60% reduction may seem excessive or foolish, but try to imagine yourself living in such conditions, perhaps with children. I would be prepared to pay double the rent for this month and have all services than to pay no rent at all and have no electricity. Your home does not only have to be ‘habitable’, but it also has to be a place where you can relax and prepare for the next day.

I will keep you posted on the progress, and once again, thanks for your support:T.

moromir

I'm a bit confused, why do you post here asking for advice and then ignore it?

You have several professional Landlords giving you their advice (which is correct) for free and yet you're refusing to follow the correct procedure for reporting maintenance issues and negociating rent reductions and you are voluntarily putting yourself in a position to be evicted.

benjii wrote:

thanks for your support

Let me be clear, there isn't a single person in this thread supporting your current course of action.

neas

moromir wrote: »

I'm a bit confused, why do you post here asking for advice and then ignore it?

You have several professional Landlords giving you their advice (which is correct) for free and yet you're refusing to follow the correct procedure for reporting maintenance issues and negociating rent reductions and you are voluntarily putting yourself in a position to be evicted.



Let me be clear, there isn't a single person in this thread supporting your current course of action.

Stern... but fair.... if someone has picked a course of action they will stick to it methinks.

Btw.... ive turned my heating off now its not winter :P and 17 degrees is bearable (with another jumper)... not life or death lol.

G_M

I live in NW London and the temperature drops to 17 degrees at our flat.

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

You're not British born I'm guessing....

17 is not 'extremely cold temperatures'. I too have turned off my heating. Yes, I have a sweater on.....big deal!

'extremely cold' is when you look outside and everything is white.

neas

try living in poland or east germany... now thats cold.. i visited family and it was -8 outside in winter...... they said that was mild!!

My cheeks got numb after 10 seconds!

Theogirl_2

While I agree 17 degrees isn't that cold and managing without heating is probably fine. I would be furious at 10 days without electricity. No hot drinks/meals. No hot water for washing (depends on how your water is heated though),no light after 8pm, no tv, internet etc. Whilst I realise none of this is life threatening it seriously detracts from living a pleasant life.

Don't withold rent, but your landlord should offer a reduction. If I was renting a property, no electricity renders it bearly habitable. I would give notice tbh

BitterAndTwisted

Do not withhold your rent! You need to negotiate with your landlord and you need to do it in writing. Any reasonable person would agree that having to manage without electricity deserves some reduction in rent but this needs to be negotiated and mutually agreed.

I completely refute your assertion that 17 degrees is cold! It is not. Not by a very long chalk.

If you are going to give your landlord notice please ensure you do it correctly by reading your rental agreement very closely, you also MUST do that in writing. Not doing so will inevitably result in much unhappiness