Lack of repairs done on property - what can I do?

Predaleko1984

I've lived in my property which is a flat in a block of flats made of two houses knocked together and a shop for fifteen months

Since September, we've had NO light on the main corridor making it a security and safety risk especially when climbing stairs to the flats and out the building. Workmen have been out, but NEVER repaired it. It was like this last winter. How hard can it be to hire an electrician?

Another security issue is the main front door. The lock was changed in August, but it's either not shutting properly and there is a problem tenant who always walks out with the door open.

I feel like going to the local council, but the last time I did that with a landlord he made our lives hell and accused me of racism which led to the police involved. I do want something done, as it seems all the asking is falling on deaf ears.

What shall I do?

Pixie5740

Have you reported the faults in writing to your landlord? Does the landlord own the whole building or just your flat? If there is a leaseholder (or in Scotland a factor) your landlord would need to report these issue to them since they are in communal areas.

G_M

As Pixie says

1) always report issues by letter to the LL at the address provided
2) the LL (who probobly owns the lease on the flat but does not own the building) cannot repair or arrange these repairs. He has to get the building's Freeholder, or Management Company (not the same as your letting agent!) to do the work.

All you can do is keep chasing the LL to keep chasing the Freeholder!

Have you talked to other residents? If one or more of them is an owner-occupier, not a tenant, they can chase the Freeholder directly.

Predaleko1984

The LL own every flat in this property - there is about five/six in the block.

I have taken some action by putting a sign up to tell people to shut the door properly.

None of the other residents are vocal to be fair. One of which who often leaves the door open is a problem tenant - alcoholic and drug user who usually does DIY at 11/12 at night. It's as if me and my partner are the only ones who are vocal.

I will submit a report in writing to them and to the freeholder.

Pixie5740

You don't have a contract with a freeholder just write to the landlord.

Predaleko1984

I've contact the landlords, again fallen on deaf ears. Now the only light lighting the corridors which is one towards three flats on the left hand side has gone.

This is not right. It's a safety and security risk. Would not paying be a good way to force repairs or make a threat to cancel the tenancy?

donfanatico

Predaleko1984 wrote: »

I've contact the landlords, again fallen on deaf ears. Now the only light lighting the corridors which is one towards three flats on the left hand side has gone.

This is not right. It's a safety and security risk. Would not paying be a good way to force repairs or make a threat to cancel the tenancy?

Have you tried changing the bulb?

Predaleko1984

donfanatico wrote: »

Have you tried changing the bulb?

There is no spare bulbs donfanatico, plus its not normal ones - just proper security lightning. I've even got my partner to climb up and no joy. It's to do with wiring and electrics. We have had electricians out, but apart from look at it and open it up - thats been it. Surely in a town like Weston-super-Mare there is electricians?

Kynthia

You do not have the right to not pay rent and this puts you at risk of being evicted. Unfortunately the public areas of the block are not likely to be your landlord's responsibility but the freeholder's. It might be worth a call to Environmental Health or some other council department if you feel the area isn't safe.

Predaleko1984

To update, my partner and myself contacted them three times in three days about the lights. They do own the whole building.

I went to the local council and spoke to someone who deals with private tenants and submitted a complaint and given out their phone numbers. I did it anonymously in case any comeback. Luckily this time, it's safer and they aren't a pair of psychoes.

We've heard nothing from the council or the landlords since the complaint was submitted yesterday. I am getting fed up of it. How hard is it to find a decent sparky?