Landlord's Responsibility?

CharleyNicholls

Thanks for all the input - wowsers, I feel much more knowledgeable!

A few replies and responses;

I chose the house because it was close to work meaning I could cut my petrol bill - from a 30 minute drive to a 20 minute walk. Equally, when I viewed the house, it was hard to tell it wasn't well insulated which I think seems to be the main issue here as any heat generated doesn't hang around for long. Plus it does have heating - I saw the heaters and just assumed they were adequate, which they probably are and I'm just bemoaning the cold.

The cracked window saga (saga seems a bit strong but I'm going with it) The LL lives two roads down and has apparently viewed the problem from the outside and deemed it ok but I have requested someone from maintenance comes to check from the inside just in case. I would hate the pane of glass to fall out and hurt someone or a pet or something.

Halogen heaters - now these sound magical and in hindsight, I should have researched this initially, especially if there are low consumption versions available.

I suppose when renting, I have never really thought about insulation as being something I should look at and I have been fortunate that in 14 years of renting, I must have always landed on my feet in energy efficient homes.

Again, thank you so much for all the advice and guidance.

DaftyDuck

Remember the simple things. Draught-proofing is cheap (the Poundshop stuff isn't very good, Wilko's is better and probably no more expensive). You can check for draughts using a candle around doors and windows. Closing curtains helps enormously (and charity shops sometimes have very cheap heavy curtains).

Halogen heat is great (those who say all electrical heaters are the same efficiency are right; advantage to halogen is instant on/off, which sounds like it might suit you).

Find a soulmate, snuggling is warm!

theartfullodger

Contact the local council environmental health dept & request a HHSRS survey ...

Assuming all you say is true they likely do one, advise owner they must upgrade & improve heating, owner will "do one" & evict you.... using S21 for which NO REASON is required (Thatcher, typical of her...)

Your choice!!

tim123456789

dimbo61 wrote: »

If the property has an EPC rating of "F" the landlord will not be able to rent out the place after 2018!!!
From 2016 you can request your landlord to carry out the measures recommended on the EPC and they will have a legal obligation to do so.
Many energy companies were offering free or very cheap loft and cavity wall insulation before Xmas ( we had it done 3 years ago for £100 for both)
Time to look for a property which has double glazing, loft+ cavity wall insulation and a modern gas central heating system

ITYF the LL's obligation end with "allowing" the work to be done (paid for under the Green Deal, if necessary).

Low cost/free insuallation ended when the Green Deal started