Landlord isn't doing repairs...

albertselephants

Hi

Me and my partner moved into our current house (privately rented) with our now 3 year old and 18 month old daughters, December 2010, and we are having a lot of problems when it comes to house repairs.

The main problem is that our bathroom floor is collapsing. There was a leak in the bathroom, that wasn't discovered and now the whole floor is mouldy and sinking. We also have the bath coming away from the wall and a shower that keeps falling off the wall. They've already retiled the bathroom since we moved in, but the tiles are coming off the wall again (the wall is also damp)

My partner was the one to discover the leak in the bathroom in the first place and did a temporary fix so that it wasn't just running out. The Estate Agent's sister or wife (not sure who it is but its a small company and defo a relative) rang me after we reported it telling me the plumber was coming in half an hour. When I told her I wasn't in and the bus home wasn't for another hour (I cant drive) she started swearing at me telling me I was being uncooperative. We complained about her, but just got a letter back which basically said I was lying :mad:

They eventually sent an electrician to fix the leak - and we had to call him back a further two times before it was actually fixed properly....why they didnt just send a plumber I do not know.

A couple of weeks after that, they sent someone round to look at the bathroom floor and he told me to 'be careful not to go through it' It has been nearly a month since then and I've heard nothing back. We've been into the estate agents and the excuse is that the landlord isn't replying to his emails. But my issue is that I most definitely classify as plus size and I have two very young children, and we've been told that the floors not safe!

So what can I do? Is there anything I can do?? Moving isn't an option as we don't have a deposit or anywhere close. We're on the council list to move but very low priority and basically no chance. We dont have the money to do any repairs ourselves.

Any advice would be much appreciated

tbs624

Get the LLs address from the Land Registry and contact him/her direct. There is no excuse for rudeness from the LA or their staff/relatives but, unless they hold a basic repairs fund from the LL , they need the LLs specific say so to go ahead with repairs.

Note too that anyone can set up as an LA - no training, expertise, or qualifications required to do so. Unfortunately, with many of them, it shows.

You need to write to the LL ( copy to the LA and copy kept for your records) Briefly list out what has happened to date with the repairs, giving dates etc, what the remaining issue is, and requesting that they give you a firm date for the matter to be dealt with. If you want to be there, rather than having randoms have key access, then offer some times/dates that would be suitable.

If there is no response or an unhelpful response then your best bet is to speak to the Private Sector Tenancy Relations Officer at the local Council and ask for their support. They can serve LLs with a Repair Notice, where applicable.

You are entitled to expect your LL to deal with repairs issues within a reasonable time but do be aware that, unfortunately, some LLs will issue a notice of intent to repossess if their T pushes on repairs issues - they obviously can't if you are within a Fixed Term but may do so if you are now on a statutory periodic tenancy running from month to month.

You may find it helpful to look at Shelters "Guide to Getting Repairs Done" - google it and on the issue of damp ( although there has been a leak) have a look at Haringey Council's guide on damp and condensation so that you can be sure that you are not doing anything to make matters worse - their guidance applies to all, whether Ts or OOs ( again google is your mate)

rentergirl

Always put everything in writing now, and send recorded delivery to all parties. And got to your councils Tenancy relations officer, who might negotiate. Good luck, but you do need to get out of there - sorry.

Turnbull2000

Moving is probably you're only real option I'm afraid. Demanding repairs will likely just result in a retaliatory eviction. Is there no scope for cutbacks in your budged to accrue a deposit and letting agent fees?

SavvyStudentSaver

rentergirl wrote: »

Always put everything in writing now, and send recorded delivery to all parties. And got to your councils Tenancy relations officer, who might negotiate. Good luck, but you do need to get out of there - sorry.

Do not send recorded delivery- they can reject it. First class from two different post offices retaining proof of postage for each.

Yorkie1

rentergirl wrote: »

Always put everything in writing now, and send recorded delivery to all parties. And got to your councils Tenancy relations officer, who might negotiate. Good luck, but you do need to get out of there - sorry.

Rentergirl - will you please stop giving this incorrect advice? Do you ever read feedback from others after you've posted on a thread? You have been told about this repeatedly.

It is NOT a good idea to send by recorded delivery. It can be refused and therefore you cannot prove service. If you absolutely need to have to prove service, send the letter twice from different post offices and get a certificate of posting - which is free.