Letting agent / rented apartment problems

mumto2loves

I don't know anything about renting and laws, but a relative of mine is renovating an old place and they are having a headache satisfying the building regs people because of fire escapes and planning - not allowing them to change the windows or look of the outside. This will have to be sorted before it all gets signed off. - Has your friend got a fire escape other than the normal way to the flat? maybe something to think about.

bankemployee101

Thanks, everyone for your thoughts and suggestions; I appreciate it.

I hadn't really considered that, although an air con unit may be rather costly (and imo isn't a cost that she should have to bear), it is still better than losing her deposit.

And I think the council is definitely a good place to look.

tommytynan123

AC units can be between £250 - £300 BUT some invariably need an outlet (to outside) for the hose. The hose is pumping out warm air !!!

Option 2 is an air cooler (£under 100) which works on blowing air over a tank of water in which you have placed a few of those ice blocks you can freeze. (£1 each normally). It means replacing the blocks every hour or so. Not as good as a AC unit. I had one but dropped it .. broke .. and during the last heatwave I put a washing up bowl of water with blocks in front of the fan - worked to a fashion.

Could I suggest you/she goes onto the websites of the stores that sell them (Argos etc) and read the reviews on AC and coolers. Some are very informative. As you say though do check the power usage.

jamie11

bankemployee101 wrote: »

I SUPPOSE SHE COULD (just kidding re caps lock!) - and I shall suggest it - I think the problem is finding one that won't cost the Earth and one that is powerful enough actually to improve the conditions even a little.

When I bought my tower fan I was horrified by some of the prices and decided I would just get the one and move it from room to room with me! Nevertheless I dread my next electricity bill!

Any a/c unit must have a vent to dump the heat outside otherwise it's pointless using it.

Fan assisted water coolers will distribute moisture all over the house giving rise to mould in hidden places and even the possibility of causing lung infections.

Think about how 'Legionella' spreads.

bankemployee101

Thank you, Tommy and Jamie!

It hadn't occurred to me that they would even have a pump...

I do think it would perhaps be best, from a simplicity and cost effectiveness perspective, if she were just to invest in a few lower cost fans etc. (like the tower fan I bought) and position them where she needs them, only turning them on as and when... even though this isn't much of a long term solution for her.

I still think she should speak with the EHO to find out more, but the cost of a few fans/coolers etc is far less than the full loss of her deposit.

Thanks again to you both.