Started renting - dodgy fridge, oven, lights - what are my rights?

lukehanney29

Hi, I've recently moved into a new flat and have already noticed quite a few problems and was wondering if anyone could give me any advice/experience/rights that I may have in approaching my landlord.

The fridge freezer is completely unusable. It is very old and rickity, it has a small freezer compartment but the door doesn't stay on so I assume it is constantly having to refreeze it costing me extra money. What is further I can't see that it has been PAT tested since 2008. Is it a legal requirement for the landlord to have every appliance PAT tested?

The oven is also very old, where the seal to the door has aged I believe it is releasing too much heat to the exterior. The cupboard doors next to it and the metal trim are alarmingly hot, and this is obviously a cause for concern. Again, no evidence of a PAT test..

Also, the bathroom light flickers really badly. It says on the tenanacy agreement that it is my responsibility to replace lightbulbs, but since it was like that when I moved in, I think she should have it replaced. Am I right in thinking this?

Finally (!) we had lots of general corrections to the inventory, which had to be returned within 7 days, we returned it to the letting agent, but have been unable to get in touch with the landlord (probably on holiday) using the numbers supplied. This shouldn't be able to affect my digressions with the inventory should it?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks.

moromir

PAT testing is not a legal requirement. Landlords have a responsibility to ensure that any electrical appliances supplied for a tenants' use are safe (unless, I believe, maintenance for a particular item is specificly excluded on the tenancy agreement/inventory), but the PAT test itself is not compulsary.

Are you really going to make a fuss over a lightbulb that will cost probably less than a quid to replace (unless its some kind of fancy fitting/bulb)?

Jowo_2

For the repairs that you cite, make sure you put this in writing to the landlord and keep a copy. The Shelter website gives excellent info on tenants rights for repairs and the best way to deal with them. They emphasise the need to keep good records.

A tenant is obliged by housing law to behave in a tenant-like manner and this includes undertaking fairly basic household tasks like replacing fuses and bulbs. You should change the bulb yourself and if it's a strip-light and the flickering continues, you may find that changing the starter could resolve this. We are talking about 2 minute jobs costing a couple of quid, here, even if you should have enjoyed a working bulb at the outset.

PAT_Testing

Hi Luke, You should tell your landlord to get all appliances PAT tested, stops him going to jail if something happens or it could compromise his insurance claim, try CAD Facilities Ltd (PAT Testing Company)

PasturesNew

moromir wrote: »

PAT testing is not a legal requirement. Landlords have a responsibility to ensure that any electrical appliances supplied for a tenants' use are safe (unless, I believe, maintenance for a particular item is specificly excluded on the tenancy agreement/inventory), but the PAT test itself is not compulsary.

Are you really going to make a fuss over a lightbulb that will cost probably less than a quid to replace (unless its some kind of fancy fitting/bulb)?

What he said.

tbs624

PAT_Testing wrote: »

Hi Luke, You should tell your landlord to get all appliances PAT tested, stops him going to jail if something happens or it could compromise his insurance claim, try blah blah blah

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