Repairs/carpets

poppyjay

Hi just wondering if anyone can help .
We have lived in our rental for a year now love the place and really don't want to move but we have afew issues we have been waiting for a major repair since we have moved in but don't seem to be getting anywhere with the landlord how do we move forwards with this?
Also we have asked to take afew carpets up and have been told no but some are on the stairs which are becoming thread bare with bits hanging off which is now getting dangerous any ideas thanks

may_fair

poppyjay wrote: »

Hi just wondering if anyone can help .
We have lived in our rental for a year now love the place and really don't want to move but we have afew issues we have been waiting for a major repair since we have moved in but don't seem to be getting anywhere with the landlord how do we move forwards with this?
Also we have asked to take afew carpets up and have been told no but some are on the stairs which are becoming thread bare with bits hanging off which is now getting dangerous any ideas thanks

If the 'major repair' falls under LL's statutory repairing obligations (see s.11 Landlord & Tenant Act 1985) then you've a couple of options.

You can either ask the Environmental Health Officer at the local council to inspect - they can force LL to carry out repairs (they might also deal with the carpet if it really is a safety hazard), OR you can follow a procedure for carrying out the repair yourself and deducting the cost from the rent. Note that the procedure must be strictly followed and you must keep careful records of all letters sent to the LL. See this link. I wouldn't do it with the carpets as this doesn't fall under s.11 and you're not qualified to assess the hazard the carpeting may represent under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.

Also note that taking action as above may result in LL serving notice seeking possession, so, if you haven't already, do write to the LL formally reporting the disrepair and try to negotiate first.