Floor is caving in in new flat i'm renting

Bridge-Burner

I was moving some stuff into my flat yesterday and as I stepped onto the kitchen tiles one of them gave way. There were a few tiles that had to be replaced and I thought all was well but now I know why they're cracking. The floor boards are like mush and wet. It's a first floor flat. When I walk on the tiles they seem to bow and also in the lounge part(studio flat) the laminate seems to be lifting a bit so I think it's wet all the way through.
The contractor who replaced the tiles must have known the boards were wet but just put new ones on. the paste he used was still wet a week after being replaced.
Just want to know what my options are as it's not safe.

mart.vader

First of all. inform your Landlord by phone call and IN WRTING. (No texts, tweets, emails) ASAP.

theartfullodger

Email is fine but follow up in writing, keep copy..

Bridge-Burner

Well that's a given. Want to know if I can get environmental health on the case or sue or do anything because the contractor and agent and to a certain exten landlord have complete disregard for the safety of the tenant. Epic corner cutting. I want to just get my money back because this agency has caused me no end of problems so far. My move had to be halted for a month because they couldn't be bothered to check the place before I moved in, there was no heating, no shower cracked floor etc it is getting ridiculous.

BitterAndTwisted

You'd have to prove the "completely disregard" part. Just put your observations in writing and get Environmental Health in. If the property is in as bad a state as you describe I doubt it would be long before they decided it was dangerous and uninhabitable. Then you landlord would need to provide you with alternative accommodation while the remedial works were carried out, or release you from your legally-binding contract.

reformedEffortmaker

Have you spoken to your neighbours on the ground floor? Have you checked to make sure there are no appliances leaking?

Fire_Fox

Bridge-Burner wrote: »

Well that's a given. Want to know if I can get environmental health on the case or sue or do anything because the contractor and agent and to a certain exten landlord have complete disregard for the safety of the tenant. Epic corner cutting. I want to just get my money back because this agency has caused me no end of problems so far. My move had to be halted for a month because they couldn't be bothered to check the place before I moved in, there was no heating, no shower cracked floor etc it is getting ridiculous.

Sue who for what losses or damage to your person or property? You have no contract with the person who laid the tiles, the landlord would need to address shoddy workmanship with them. As already advised you need to report ASAP directly to both the organ grinder (address at which to serve notices on your tenancy agreement) and their monkey if possible.

Pretty sure it was explained to you on the other thread your contract is with the landlord, the agency are not responsible for the condition of the property nor for actually doing the repairs in a timely manner nor for your safety, the landlord is. You are blaming completely the wrong entity.

If you take occupation now you are stuck with this contract, you *might* be able to get out of it if you do not move in but hand the keys back tomorrow. If they get awkward report the safety issues to EH at the local council, they may declare the place uninhabitable so you would have to be rehoused or released from the contract.

Bridge-Burner

Okay well I've stayed put. Had a chat with the tenant below who has been having leaks along his roof for months and the agent/landlord don't do anything. Actually I saw a plumber man the other day at the flat but he wasn't in I don't think. The tiles currently are flexing a bit but haven'tcaved in as of yet. The crack very easily though so I might have to get the agent landlord to send a plumber round soon.

olly300

Bridge-Burner wrote: »

Okay well I've stayed put. Had a chat with the tenant below who has been having leaks along his roof for months and the agent/landlord don't do anything. Actually I saw a plumber man the other day at the flat but he wasn't in I don't think. The tiles currently are flexing a bit but haven'tcaved in as of yet. The crack very easily though so I might have to get the agent landlord to send a plumber round soon.

DO NOT WAIT ACT TODAY. The floor could collapse.

Get on the phone to the agent and demand the landlord's details.

If the agent refuses to give them then go on your council website and get the number for environmental health.

Phone them up - if they are not available persist - and speak to them about what you should do. Explain you don't have the details to contact the landlord directly.

PasturesNew

Top tip: Always wear knickers..... in case you fall though the floor and the neighbours look up to see who is coming through the ceiling....

Bridge-Burner

olly300 wrote: »

DO NOT WAIT ACT TODAY. The floor could collapse.

Get on the phone to the agent and demand the landlord's details.

If the agent refuses to give them then go on your council website and get the number for environmental health.

Phone them up - if they are not available persist - and speak to them about what you should do. Explain you don't have the details to contact the landlord directly.

I've had a million and one problems with the flat such as no hot water, no heating missing shower etc that i'm sick of dealing with the useless fools. So when the floor does eventually cave in I'm going to sue the hell out of them:cool: