Landlord says window repair is my responsibility

skollieal

My tightly shut window was blown open and completely off its hinges during the gale force winds. I have been a good tenent for over 2 years, but despite advice from the CAB and Barnet Housing Advice Line, my landlord is digging his heels in and saying it is my responsibility to replace the frame and window at a minimum cost of £250. I know that the window was properly shut and although everyone says it is his responsibility not mine, I have been told that if i fight it, he will probably just evict me when my tenancy is up in October. Any advice warmly welcomed. Do i stick to my principles or surrender just to stay in a home where i am so happy?

mentaljessie

Try contacting Shelter, I've got no experience as i'm a leaseholder, but i would of thought this repair would of been your landlords responsibility.

maninthestreet

Get your retaliation in first - Tell the LL you will get the window repaired, then deduct the cost from your next rental payment.

jennifernil

He will have to fix it even if he evicts you, and it will cost him to find a new tenant. It is definately his responsibility.

jockettuk

could always compromise and offer 50/50

sandstorm_3

As fare as I'm aware it is the landlord responsibility to do the repair.

thesaint

It is the landlords reponsibility to fix it.

Write to the landlord stating this and give him a set time to do the work.
Tell him that if the work is not done, you will get three quotes to do it, then have the work done at his expense.

You must make your decision in the full knowledge that he would be within his rights to ask you to leave after serving you with the correct notice.

Alan_M_2

Other than you intentionally breaking it, there are no circumstances under which this repair is your responsibility.

Thesaint explains your course of action in the above post, personally I'd be looking elsewhere for accommodation with immediate effect, any landlord that tries this on is likely to be pretty unreasonable.

Warriorsith

It's your landlords as it's his property. I'd withhold the rent until he fixes it, then look for somewhere else to rent, I wouldn't like to know that I'd have to pay for fixeses on some elses property if it wasn't my fault and considering you've been there two years he should be grateful of your regular monthly rental payments . I too would read the contract that you signed prior to leasing the property to see what the T&C's are to see whose responsible.

But we ALL know it's his.

Good luck in getting this situation sorted.

babe_ruth_3

As the window was damaged in gale force winds I would think his insurance would pay for it. Although I suppose it depends what his excess is.

Assuming that he has buidings insurance on his property.

Anyone know if buildings insurance is a legal requirement along with gas checks etc?

farmersboy

I can't see it being your responsibility - what if the roof blew off? You wouldn't be expected to pay. Definately a building insurance claim... Landlord is trying it on...