Rent Reduction?!

oranabana

a friend of mine wants to know if they can get some sort of reduction in their rent, as they are currently having a leak in the bathrrom, that will not be fixed untill the new year. It started to happen about 2 weeks ago (20th of Nov)

Basically they are paying about 800pcm for the flat and the roof in the bathroom, which is an extension from what I understand has water dripping throiugh the lightin fixtures. There is a water tank above the roof and the lights are not really safe to use right now, but all the landlord did, was arrnaged for some tarpoling to cover the roof for now. The leaking continues despite that.

Is there any legal grounding for a reduction in rent and if so, where can one find out about it?

Many Thanks

lynzpower

theres water dripping through the light fittings!!!

And its been there weeks :eek:

Are they letting privately or through an agency?

oranabana

... i know! its through an agency, but I'll check.

lynzpower

its through an agency- they simply have to get the electrician and plumber out and bloody pronto.

Tell them not to use the light fitting. they could die from using it.

If there is no movement TODAY getting it fixed, call environmental health or the private lettings officer at the local council who should advise on how to enforce safety at the property

memorygirl

lynzpower wrote:

its through an agency- they simply have to get the electrician and plumber out and bloody pronto.

Tell them not to use the light fitting. they could die from using it.

If there is no movement TODAY getting it fixed, call environmental health or the private lettings officer at the local council who should advise on how to enforce safety at the property

I AGREE!!!! I project Manage some BTL's. Water and electrics don't mix and the LA or LL should be all over it NOW!! It's not a "minor" problem like scuffed paint that can wait a month, its something that needs to be sorted asap.

Memorygirl

PS I'm only online today cos we've been rained off fixing some slates. Actually supposed to be doing the billing accounts - ooops - back to work

oranabana

Ok, here is an update. The landlord has arranged for the tarpole to be fitted, which I understand has been done. So the roof is now covered, as they cannot do this before New year (the agency is looking to get a quote from a builder).
Despite this, my friend tells me that the roof has leaked again, following the rains two days ago.

So they looking for some advice on how to go about getting a rent reduction. The rent is 800 pcm and there are two bedrooms a living room small kitchen with the bathroom at the end.

How would one calculate rent reduction, and where do they stand legally, if they reduce the rent they pay themselves?!

Cheers

Alan_M_2

They may be in a position to withold a percentage until the problem is rectified. But this would then need to be paid once the problem is rectified. Reducing the rent with no intention to pay the reduction amount would probably be a breach of agreement and lead to allsorts of problems so be careful there.

Personally for a problem of this nature I wouldn't be messing around waiting for builders and quotes, I'd want it fixed, if you get no joy get in touch with health and safetly, that make's people get a move on, because your landlord could be fined.

lynzpower

I agree with Alan M

theres no way work of this can be left till after Xmas theres no reason why he couldnt get the work done- unless hes too tight to pay it.

Its imperitive this work gets done.

Id also expect that if its not, he should be speaking to the local private lettings officer at the council who will inspoect the property and speak to the LL about his responsibilities. And sharpish.

real1314

Do they want it fixed or not? it sounds like they'd rather take the risk and get a rent reduction???? .

madness :eek:

sanfrancisco

I would get a quote myself from a builder to fix the roof. Then ring up the LL, and say this is the cost they can do it on xyz date, shall I get them in. If they say no, I'll arrange it, say no this is unacceptable, I will get the builder in, pay him and then take this money off of my rent next month.

As unacceptable as this is, I have had a LL who refused to fix leaky lights. Didn't know I could have rung someone at the Council, though.

sanfrancisco

real1314 wrote:

Do they want it fixed or not? it sounds like they'd rather take the risk and get a rent reduction???? .

madness :eek:

How on earth does it sound like this?