Condition of my rented property

someanonbloke

Hi, I live in a rented property.

Can anyone explain to me what are the minimum acceptable legal standards for the condition of the property?

There are several issues, which are not addressed that I believe are necessary by default.

i) Several of the window frames are in very poor condition (rotten and practially falling off) and need to be replaced....
ii) In Winter, largely due to condition of frames, and no double glazing, the property gets extremely cold. Am I entitled to double glazing?
iii) No central heating.
iv) Bathroom has poor ventilation and, ideally, needs an extractor fan. Obviously, this problem leads to mould developing easily.

Thanks in advance.

casperlarue

someanonbloke wrote: »

Hi, I live in a rented property.

Can anyone explain to me what are the minimum acceptable legal standards for the condition of the property? Whatever your local Environment Health deems as habitable

There are several issues, which are not addressed that I believe are necessary by default.

i) Several of the window frames are in very poor condition (rotten and practially falling off) and need to be replaced....have you WRITTEN to your landlord, explaining this problem. Did you point out the problem with the frames when you viewed the property, before you moved in?
ii) In Winter, largely due to condition of frames, and no double glazing, the property gets extremely cold. Am I entitled to double glazing? No,
iii) No central heating. Did you not notice this when you viewed?
iv) Bathroom has poor ventilation and, ideally, needs an extractor fan. Obviously, this problem leads to mould developing easily. Yes, would agree with this statement, although opening the window after using the bathroom will help to circulate air and get rid of the condensation. Mould develops because of poor ventilation.

Thanks in advance.

You should WRITE to your landlord and explain the poor condition of the windows. However, he is not obliged to provide double glazing or central heating unless it's part of your signed contract. I grew up in a house that had neither and I survived!

motherofstudents

As far as I am aware, the only legal requriements are concerning health and safety e.g. the boiler must have a safety certificate. Obviously if you don't have central heating that won't apply.
Do you claim any benefits ? There are some benefits which would entitle you to have heating installed. You are not 'entitled' to double glazing.

I think you might be able to contact the environmental health dept of your local council to see if there is anything they can suggest. They will be able to tell you whether there is anything the landlord can be compelled to do.

I would consider moving to somewhere in better condition to be honest, but you can always try to get some improvements. Have a look at the Shelter website too.

someanonbloke

I would consider moving to somewhere in better condition to be honest, but you can always try to get some improvements.

Except for that, your advice was very helpful. Thanks.

xoAmyox

"I would consider moving to somewhere in better condition to be honest, but you can always try to get some improvements. "

someanonbloke wrote: »

Except for that, your advice was very helpful. Thanks.

The advice given IS very helpful. The point raised is the path of least resistance and long term will be a much better option.

If you feel that these issues are such a cause for concern, and you have no recourse against the landlord, you should really take this on board and consider moving.

Take this from an ex-tenant, who was illegally evicted, assaulted, and made ill by the condition of my rented property - just for asking for the central heating to be fixed.

Fire_Fox

Have Environmental Health look at the property and see if they deem any repairs essential to make the property habitable, they will write to the landlord if so. But generally I agree with Motherofstudents, it would be easier to move to somewhere with decent heating, insulation and ventilation. Even if your landlord wants to spend thousands, most likely he will evict you to do the work or you will live in an absolute nightmare of a building site for weeks.