tempoarily moving out of rented house to allow for repairs

totallybroke_2

i have to temporarily move out of my rented house to allow for major works to be carried out due to flooding in bathroom. walls have to be knocked down and all floors lifted. my landlord is going to claim from his insurance for loss of rent, i am now required to find myself and family somewhere to live for 2 months, should i have to pay rent in my temporary accommodation or can my landlord claim this from his insurance too?

thanks in advance

sooz

Having recently had to do this for my own tenants, I'd recommend you ask your landlord for his insurer's details, so you can speak to them directly about alternative accomodation.

They may have a recommended supplier of alternative accomodation.

Normally, you continue to pay your rent, & the alt acc is paid for you initially by your LL, & he's reimbursed by his insurers.

Trying to find a short term flat is hard, which is why you should try to use the insurer's alt acc service if they have one. If not, find out what the max price they will pay per night. Then look at b&b's or hotels on or under that price. Any more, & they will want you or your LL to pay the excess, and that's where the problems arise!

My tenants were offered very unsuitable b&b's, with very strict rules (remember the royston vasey sketch). I got the base price per night, & using the cheapest holiday inn deal thread on here, managed to get them into a hotel for the same price, & the insurance company eventually refunded me.

Werdnal

Re: temporary accommodation, is there anywhere local to you with holiday lets or caravans. Whilst some of them are restricted to holiday use only, you may find some willing to house you, and offer a reduced rate for 2 months guaranteed booking. They would have reduced costs as no weekly changeover/cleaninhg etc.

Our flat flooded last November and we had to move our tenant out for 3 weeks. I know that was out of season so more holiday accommodation was available, but he went to a furnished holiday let, and they charged him same rent as we do, as it filled a vacancy for them, so everyone was happy.

G_M

Either your tenancy is continuing - in which case you must continue to pay the rent and the landlord must continue to provide accomodation OR
the tenancy is 'frustrated' by the inability of the LL to provide the property for reasons beyond his control (flood) in which case the tenancy ends, rent is not due, and accomodation is not provided.

Assumuing the tenancay continues, then the landlord MAY have insurance, which MAY include provision of alternative accomodation - but that is somehing the LL must determine with his insurers. HE is responsible for providing accomodation in return for the rent he receives, either by giving you one of his other rental properties, or by paying for somewhere for you, or by relying on his insurance.

theartfullodger

I'm sure your LL is not one of those who having got you out finds the repairs take a little longer, then another problem, then says "well you ain;t resident any more so you ain't tenant".. and then lets the repaired joint to someone else for more..

Agree with GM - your tenancy continues, get it in writing.. Maybe call Shelter for advice 0808 800 4444 but expect a wait from these excellent overworked charity guys...

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/how_we_can_help/housing_advice_helpline