No working boiler in newly rented property -- 14 days.

miasydaisy

Not really sure whether this would be classed as "consumer rights" or not, but maybe somebody will be able to assist.

We moved in to a new property on the 10th May and discovered the gas supply was disconnected as a result of previous tenants arrears. The property had been empty for a while before we entered so the agency had sufficient time to inspect, which would have meant they could have had it reconnected and the following problems dealt with before we moved in.

After EON reconnected the supply (they did it on the 17th), the agency got a plumber in the same day as EON also to "purge" the pipes to allow us to use it/be safe with it. He discovered the supply was unsafe and the boiler damaged (6 months earlier a different plumber signed everything off as safe falsely) so we have been left without a gas connection and subsequently have no hot water and no heating.

The agent was informed of these newly found issues on the same day (17th) and booked the plumber for the 24th (today -- we was advised around the 19th of this date of repair).
They phoned yesterday and said the plumber couldn't attend. They said he "might" be able to come on Thursday 26th, but we're yet to have this confirmed. We highly suspect (they was very vague and evasive on the phone) they will change the date again to a later date.

On Thursday it will have been 16 days since moving in and 9 days since we informed them of the severe problem.

Is this a "reasonable" time to be expected to wait for this to be rectified?

Is there any action we can take (eg any regulatory bodie we can ask to investigate this) to get them to sort this out?

Is there any legal recourse we can take?

ANY advise will be amazing!!!!

Zandoni

For a start rental properties should have a gas safety inspection carried out annually, has this been done?

http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/advice/renting_a_property/for_landlords.aspx

Liam002

I am very sorry this is happening to you. I have already lived without gas or without a fridge for a few days, and it is not easy.

I would probably write a letter to the agent, outlining the repetitive issues and that it would have never happened if he hadn't been negligent and would have done his work properly.

I would ask for a partial compensation for the time being there and not being able to use warm water, and having to deal with the problem yourself.

korky69

assuming you live in england, have a look at http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/repairs_and_bad_conditions

we had similar problems a couple of years ago, but in feb/mar when it was very cold.
it took an absolute age for ours to get sorted despite threats made to the extreme of packing up and moving.
do not threaten to withhold rent though as this would lead to other problems,

ask them if you can arrange a gas fitter to attend at their expense if problems persist,
i do believe its a legal requirement to provide heating and hot water, though how far you a willing to take it is up to you.
your local authority can get involved even on private leases, give them a call.

we nearly booked into a travelodge but couldn't afford to take the risk of waiting months to reclaim it back, if at all.
badger them everyday, and be a right pain in the backside to them.

fluffnutter

This is not a reasonable time to be without hot water (and possibly heating), maisy. Are you in privately rented accommodation? Do you have a copy of your rental agreement? Do you have any contact with the landlord/lady or do you do everything through an agency? Is the agency using their own contracted plumbing firm? Can you appoint someone yourself? I'd write to the agent, copying the landlord/lady, advising you're not happy with this delay and asking for a swift and complete resolution. I'd probably ask for a rent reduction to cover the period of inconvenience. I hope you get this sorted soon; it's miserable being without a boiler. I know - mine seems to pack up every January! :cool:

paddyrg

They have had plenty of time to arrange something, so maybe give them a call and say as they don't seem able to find anyone, you will find someone to do the job at their expense. They will miss their commission (I know letting agents who take kickbacks for giving work, as well as charging the landlord) and so probably pay attention? It is horrible that they don't seem to care, and go home to their homes each night whilst you can't wash. Have you tried turning up in their offices in person, to make the problem very real and immediate as opposed to something that can be delayed and fobbed off?

Bongedone

Call your local councils Residential services department. Sometimes part of Environmental Health.

They can assisit you with this.