Can I get a rent reduction whilst building works are going on?

marek_20

Hi all,

I recently moved into a shared house, and the letting agents / landlords have decided to start building works. They started with the bathroom and quoted us 3 days for completion. It took just over 2 weeks for it to be renovated into a usable state, and still isn't completely finished. Although this wasn't a problem as there was a second shower room available to us, my main concern is the kitchen.

The kitchen was started 10 days ago, and is still completely unusable. They have left us without cooking facilities, washing machine, dishwasher & sink for this time.
I have had to pay out a fortune for extra food such as ready meals and for laundrette services.

Is there any legal obligation for a reduction in rent? or would it be a goodwill gesture by the letting agents if i ask them? my relationship with the letting agents isn't very good by the way!.

Oh lastly, not sure if this would matter or not, but they have allowed myself, and another tenant to move in, but will not allow the other tenants to move in until after the building works are finished.

princeofpounds

No legal obligation. Hot water and heating is as far as it goes.

When you rent rooms rather than the whole house you have less control over common areas unfortunately

marek_20

would it still be worth asking though? as the works have taken longer than they quoted and it is costing me an unnecessary extra expenditure (mainly in food - i have a fridge / freezer full of food I cant cook, so have had to buy extra food that I can microwave or eat fresh). It was a verbal quote, and should probably have asked for it in writing

pmlindyloo

Let's start with the basics.

What type of tenancy agreement do you have? Is it an individual one? What does it say about the use of rooms?

Are you in England/Wales or Scotland?

marek_20

it is an individual tenancy agreement, I have use of the bathroom, kitchen & lounge facilities, as all of the other tenants.

I'm in England by the way, I cant give you anymore info on the tenancy agreement as I do not have it with me at the moment

pmlindyloo

You might be living in a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) where the obligations for the landlord are somewhat different.

When you have your tenancy agreement in front of you I would telephone Shelter (http://england.shelter.org.uk/about_us/contact_us) and ask for their advice.

I believe it will depend on the wording of your contract.

If it stipulates that you have shared access to the kitchen then I believe that you would have a good case for a reduction in your rent.

However, I cannot find any 'legal' information to help you.

If Shelter believe that you have a good case then they will suggest the percentage of reduction and advise re: the wording of a letter to your landlord.