Landlord's obligation re hot water?

aileth

Hi, asking on behalf of my sister.

Their boiler has been leaking for a short while and a man has just come out to see it's knackered, needs replacing, with no ETA for replacement, and that due to the leaking actually leaking on electrics they can't use it (so no hot water etc).

Now, my parents who also live there are 60+ and I'd like everyone to be 'armed' per se before possibly being fobbed off, but what is the landlord's duties and obligations to providing hot water at a property? Is there a time limit during which they have to provide it?

I can't imagine a landlord jumping at the chance to shell out a couple of grand fast to get a new boiler installed. Would appreciate help ASAP!

nikki1520

There is no time limit except for a reasonable time. I would expect to maybe have to make do for up to two weeks as a homeowner, while I got prices and organised fitting. I would say after that, it may be stretching the reasonableness criteria a little, but there may be a valid explanation - for example the plumber he uses can't fit in a whole day job for three weeks. As a tenant, I would expect regular updates on the situation and promises to be kept. The probable only way to test whether or not something is reasonable is to take it before a judge.

Shelter probably have some great advice on this on their website

G_M

Write to the LL at the address provided "for the serving of notices" outlining
* the problem
* the date it was reported
* the action taken so far
* the additional action needed

and ask for a timescale for it to be repaired.

If no response, or inadequate response, you can contact Environmental Health or the Private Tenancy Officer.

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/repairs_and_bad_conditions/disrepair_in_rented_accommodation/repairs_in_private_lets/tenants_doing_repairs

Landlord & Tenant Act 1985

11 Repairing obligations in short leases.
(1)In a lease to which this section applies (as to which, see sections 13 and 14) there is implied a covenant by the lessor—

(a)to keep in repair the structure and exterior of the dwelling-house (including drains, gutters and external pipes),

(b)to keep in repair and proper working order the installations in the dwelling-house for the supply of water, gas and electricity and for sanitation (including basins, sinks, baths and sanitary conveniences, but not other fixtures, fittings and appliances for making use of the supply of water, gas or electricity), and

(c)to keep in repair and proper working order the installations in the dwelling-house for space heating and heating water.