Help with next step re repairs etc

jemmiegal

Hi all, in addition to a number of other problems I've had rubbish out in the front of the property since the beginning of the tenancy about three months ago. This includes a toilet and two rental boards. Given that I'm paying in excess of £1000 per month I'd expect the landlord to have collected these.
I've sent numerous letters (two just on this issue since the beginning of the months) and made numerous phone calls regarding this specific issue (from the start) including giving quotes of rubbish collectors. Nothing has been done. Today I called and said I would have it collected and deduct from next months rent to cries of 'you can't do that'.
So, what do you do as the next step. As well as being an eyesore (even when covered up) it's dangerous so I cant use the front.
Ive given up caring about being evicted - living like this is no way to live.
Thank you

BitterAndTwisted

Well, if you don't care abut being evicted, then go ahead and put it in writing that you intend to arrange for this load of rubbish to be collected and will deduct the cost from your next rent-payment.

It all depends on how badly a poor reference will affect your ability to rent the next place.

jemmiegal

Thanks BitterandTwisted. Is it just as simple as that? When I mentioned I would do that both the agent and landlord said I couldn't as they hadn't agreed to it.

I would love to have found a place I could have stayed much longer but is it worth staying somewhere and not ask for replairs to be done, be okay with the landlord not doing them because I'm afraid of being evicted. The reference part did knock my confidence re eviction but I have young children to think about. I should have about 4 months or so (hopefully) to start looking for a more decent landlord.

G_M

There is a detailed process for doing repairs yourself when a LL refuses todothem, and deducting the cost from future rent.

Whether this would apply to rubbish collectionI'm not sure, but if you want to go down this road, read:

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

However,some questions:

* is this rubbish on the property's land,or in the street?
* does it come from the property? The landlord? previous tenant? or has it been fly-tipped?
* was it there when you moved in? If yes, did the LL say it would be cleared? If no, when did it arrive? From where?
* does your council offer a collection service? Some charge a fee,some do it free.
* do you have a car, or access to one? Could you not just take it to the tip?
* when the LL/agent said they had not agreed to it (deduction of costs from rent) did they say what they would agree to?