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LL still hasn't returned deposit, and is struggling to repair pipe work. Any advice?
Deadpool118
Posts: 4 Newbie
Hey moneysavingexpert.com forum goers, first time post here.
I'm just in need of some advice, so that I can get a handle of how to complain and get my LL into gear.
5 weeks ago I moved out of my rented house into a small flat with the girlfriend for my second year of university. I stuck with the same LL, because rent was fair and he seemed to care in the beginning of the last year.
However, my problems began when me and the missus moved right in. There were some huge bubbles in the kitchen and bedroom, and the LL managed to get one of his workmen to fix that. I was pleased with how fast he managed that, but we had problems elsewhere. Our washing machine was causing the pipes (under the sink) to leak, allowing water to spread all over the kitchen floor. I rang the LL, and he took his sweet time in 'fixing' the situation. At first, they inserted new pipes - and we thought it was fixed, but low and behold, it didn't solve anything.
We had a plumber come in and sort out the pipework yet again, and this time the pipes were fully unblocked. Once we turned on the washing machine, the leaking didn't occur, but the washing machine failed to work itself. It just didn't spin anymore, and we had a set of clothes that were locked in there. Thankfully I managed to get the clothes out, and they replaced our washing machine (by going into another flat they owned, and switching them - pathetic), so we could try our luck there.
The thing is, it just switched our problems round. The pipework leaked again, whilst it was in use - causing the clothes to get mould on them, and that awful damp smell. I rang up on the Wednesday for the LL to sort it out properly, and only got anywhere until the Saturday. The plumber checked the pipework and mentioned that a washer wasn't securely placed. Thinking that this was finally fixed, I tried to get rid of the affected clothes. Unsurprisingly enough, it leaked again! I'm generally okay with some of my underwear being ruined, but my girlfriend's cardigans have been ruined even when we tried to salvage them.
What I was wondering, was if there was any action we could take for this? I'm not looking into receiving money for the damaged clothes as such, but I feel that it's their full responsibility to get if fixed ASAP considering we haven't had a working washing machine since we moved in from the 12th of July. I realise they've breached their contract already, but what else can I do? Phoning them and even meeting them seems to have no affect to how fast and efficiently they'll get something done.
ALSO, my previous tenancy with them ended at the end of June - and me and 3 other mates haven't received our deposits back from them. They said it would take up to 5-6 weeks, and it has been six weeks without any communication from them. The deposit was £250 for the year, and considering that we cleaned the house to a quality which was better to what we moved into, I seem to think it's taking the pee a little! What can I threaten them with, considering it shouldn't really take this long? I took photos of the house before we left, too.
Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated, as me and my girlfriend are struggling so much.
Thanks for reading.
I'm just in need of some advice, so that I can get a handle of how to complain and get my LL into gear.
5 weeks ago I moved out of my rented house into a small flat with the girlfriend for my second year of university. I stuck with the same LL, because rent was fair and he seemed to care in the beginning of the last year.
However, my problems began when me and the missus moved right in. There were some huge bubbles in the kitchen and bedroom, and the LL managed to get one of his workmen to fix that. I was pleased with how fast he managed that, but we had problems elsewhere. Our washing machine was causing the pipes (under the sink) to leak, allowing water to spread all over the kitchen floor. I rang the LL, and he took his sweet time in 'fixing' the situation. At first, they inserted new pipes - and we thought it was fixed, but low and behold, it didn't solve anything.
We had a plumber come in and sort out the pipework yet again, and this time the pipes were fully unblocked. Once we turned on the washing machine, the leaking didn't occur, but the washing machine failed to work itself. It just didn't spin anymore, and we had a set of clothes that were locked in there. Thankfully I managed to get the clothes out, and they replaced our washing machine (by going into another flat they owned, and switching them - pathetic), so we could try our luck there.
The thing is, it just switched our problems round. The pipework leaked again, whilst it was in use - causing the clothes to get mould on them, and that awful damp smell. I rang up on the Wednesday for the LL to sort it out properly, and only got anywhere until the Saturday. The plumber checked the pipework and mentioned that a washer wasn't securely placed. Thinking that this was finally fixed, I tried to get rid of the affected clothes. Unsurprisingly enough, it leaked again! I'm generally okay with some of my underwear being ruined, but my girlfriend's cardigans have been ruined even when we tried to salvage them.
What I was wondering, was if there was any action we could take for this? I'm not looking into receiving money for the damaged clothes as such, but I feel that it's their full responsibility to get if fixed ASAP considering we haven't had a working washing machine since we moved in from the 12th of July. I realise they've breached their contract already, but what else can I do? Phoning them and even meeting them seems to have no affect to how fast and efficiently they'll get something done.
ALSO, my previous tenancy with them ended at the end of June - and me and 3 other mates haven't received our deposits back from them. They said it would take up to 5-6 weeks, and it has been six weeks without any communication from them. The deposit was £250 for the year, and considering that we cleaned the house to a quality which was better to what we moved into, I seem to think it's taking the pee a little! What can I threaten them with, considering it shouldn't really take this long? I took photos of the house before we left, too.
Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated, as me and my girlfriend are struggling so much.
Thanks for reading.
0
Comments
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Any takers?
0 -
it sounds like the LL has sent in several different workmen to try to repair the problem...
i would start putting your requests in writing....
was the deposit at the previous property in a deposit scheme ? if so which one ? was it £250 each or in total...0 -
it sounds like the LL has sent in several different workmen to try to repair the problem...
i would start putting your requests in writing....
was the deposit at the previous property in a deposit scheme ? if so which one ? was it £250 each or in total...
I must presume it was in a deposit scheme, and it was £250 each for the four of us in the house.
I have been considering a written complaint, but I wouldn't know what to write which would actually make them shift their gears.0 -
Always deal with repairs issues and deposit return issues in writing, with copies kept by you. If you report repairs by phone initially follow it up with a letter confirming your understanding of what, if anything, has been agreed. Keep to facts only, and keep it polite. List out in chronological order what has happened to date and suggest that the LL fixes the problem within say 5 working days - be flexible with access times/dates.
Don't just presume - if you are not sure whether your deposit has been scheme registered (if property is in Eng/Wales) then check for yourself at DPS, TDS and my deposits.0 -
""I must presume it was in a deposit scheme,""
contact all three schemes and find out...
you need a paper trail if you plan to take matters further with the repairs issue0 -
Always deal with repairs issues and deposit return issues in writing, with copies kept by you. If you report repairs by phone initially follow it up with a letter confirming your understanding of what, if anything, has been agreed. Keep to facts only, and keep it polite. List out in chronological order what has happened to date and suggest that the LL fixes the problem within say 5 working days - be flexible with access times/dates.
Don't just presume - if you are not sure whether your deposit has been scheme registered (if property is in Eng/Wales) then check for yourself at DPS, TDS and my deposits.""I must presume it was in a deposit scheme,""
contact all three schemes and find out...
you need a paper trail if you plan to take matters further with the repairs issue
Thanks, I've checked all three and discovered that none of those schemes have been used by the LL. How do I approach the matter of the late deposit?0
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