Heating in a rented flat

ging84

This also is getting into unlawful eviction territory
your landlord cannot come round and lock your out of any part of your property, be that the whole thing, a single room or even just a cupboard, without reasonable cause
This makes it very likely the landlord has committed a criminal offence

[Deleted User]

Depending on how/why your friend is vulnerable, is there any way of bringing the situation to the attention of social services if she's having problems coping. If she has a condition/diagnosis, special needs charities could help support her too.

Otherwise, I am afraid, a friend or relative might have to take on dealing/communicating with the LL. If he won't communicate, then a trip to the CAB might be useful. But your friend might need the support of someone who can speak for her if necessary.

Kynthia

Urgently call the council tenancy relations officer (or some similar title) and Environmental Health. Tell them it's urgent and they will hopefully contact the landlord to resolve this. I'd even ring Shelter today to see if they will intervene with the landlord.

nidO

Batman_100 wrote: »

Just to clarify a few points, my friend has exclusive use of the property, she's not a lodger and the bills are included in the rent.

The heating isn't on a timer, it's been switched of completely. I haven't asked her if she knows where the emergency cut off handal is, it might be worth asking.

While doing all of the above in getting environmental health involved, if all bills (including electricity) are included I would be very inclined to go buy several of the cheapest, least efficient fan heaters I can find (they're available from about a tenner) and make sure the flat is nice and toasty warm from them, and would probably also direct a few of them on full blast out the window 24/7 as well.

thesaint

How many properties does the boiler supply?

In the short term, I would get a few fan heaters.

Batman_100

Thanks for all the advice. I'm gonna encourage her to talk to CAB. I'm sure they'd help her get in contact with the right council departments.

The only thing is, she's already on the waiting list for a council property and has asked to be rehoused for other reasons. She's doesn't want to be seen as being too much of a thorn in the side of the council housing department.

Cautious_Optimist

Batman_100 wrote: »

Thanks for all the advice. I'm gonna encourage her to talk to CAB. I'm sure they'd help her get in contact with the right council departments.

The only thing is, she's already on the waiting list for a council property and has asked to be rehoused for other reasons. She's doesn't want to be seen as being too much of a thorn in the side of the council housing department.

I don't think the council have that mind set.
That is the mind set of a private LL.
The people working in the council office don't own the council properties. To them it's all about priority lists and ticking boxes etc.
So don't worry about that.

mouthscradle

Your friend needs to telephone Shelter's helpline for advice. It can be busy but it's worth it when you get through, they're really helpful. It's completely free to call.

27col

nidO wrote: »

While doing all of the above in getting environmental health involved, if all bills (including electricity) are included I would be very inclined to go buy several of the cheapest, least efficient fan heaters I can find (they're available from about a tenner) and make sure the flat is nice and toasty warm from them, and would probably also direct a few of them on full blast out the window 24/7 as well.

For information. There is no such thing as a least efficient electric heater. All electric heaters have the same efficiency.