Can I reduce my rent becuause of scaffolding staying up far longer than I was told?

williamwilson

When I moved into my flat in June I was told by the estate agent that the scaffolding which engulfs the entrance to my flat and stops all the light getting into my flat would be up for just two weeks.... I then spoke with the land lady who then told me 9 weeks (this was three months ago). I spoke with the builder yesterday who told me the works would continue for another 2 months minimum. Not only is the scaffolding unsightly but I have the builders staring in the windows every morning, causing noise and banging all morning every weekend. The works are being carried out are on the flat above which is owned by the same landlady so I am wondering if I'm entitled to ask for a discount on the rent going forward. Can anyone offer me any advice? Many thanks!

GAH

Speak to your landlady and tell her what sort of reduction you want.
She can either say yes or no.

She isn't obligated to give you a rent reduction though.

Generally most works, especially externally always take a bit longer, weather permitting and all, so if you have been told another two months, it could be even longer.

Sambucus_Nigra

You can ask for what you want! Have some good reasons and ask for a horse and expect a dog.
[IE - ask for 50% reduction and you might get told to naff off. Ask for 30% and they might settle on 15%. Ask for 15% straight out and you have nowhere to negotiate except down so expect maybe 5%].

williamwilson

Thanks for the advice guys, i''ll ask for a third off and see where it goes from there. I don't think there are any hard and fast rules around this topic but I think citizens advise can step in to give an objective ruling if all else fails

BitterAndTwisted

If there aren't any hard and fast rules why do you think the CAB could "step in and give an objective ruling"? They're a charity and they offer free advice, not set rules and regulations. For something of this sort I think you should leave the charity alone to help people in real need and deal with this yourself.

McKneff

Don't waste yours and the CABs time.

Its between you and your landlady.

Personally asking for 30% is a bit OTT.

What would you say if the positions were reversed.

crazyguy

No chance its not affecting you in anyway its a bit of scaffolding for blimey sake !

williamwilson

It is to do with the noise that the builders create every week day morning and weekend morning rather than the aesthetics of the exterior itself. If you pay a lot for a flat in central London, it should be somewhere you can relax, without noise and builders peering in. If this is not the case, then I believe the rent should be adjusted accordingly to reflect the inconvenience until the building work is complete

williamwilson

Crazyguy...FYI "Your Stupid" should actually spelt "You're"... just for your future reference

ess0two

williamwilson wrote: »

It is to do with the noise that the builders create every week day morning and weekend morning rather than the aesthetics of the exterior itself. If you pay a lot for a flat in central London, it should be somewhere you can relax, without noise and builders peering in. If this is not the case, then I believe the rent should be adjusted accordingly to reflect the inconvenience until the building work is complete

Work still ongoing?got the impression the work was complete yet the scaff was still in place.
Worth a shot,wrt to privacy etc

Sambucus_Nigra

ess0two wrote: »

Work still ongoing?got the impression the work was complete yet the scaff was still in place.

I didn't - by the line in the original OP that said...

Not only is the scaffolding unsightly but I have the builders staring in the windows every morning, causing noise and banging all morning every weekend