Problems with LL and Management Co

wildheart83

Hi all, I am having problems with my LL and Management Co on a flat I've recently moved into and wonder if anyone can help me.

I paid 6 months rent upfront, and a week after I'd moved in the boiler broke. It's not holding the pressure and I have to top up the pressure every week, and keep an eye on it pretty much every day.

Gas engineer told them what part was needed, but advised that the boiler really needs replaced, and the part might not last. The LL is refusing to do anything to the boiler and said she'll think about it again in the new year.

Lease runs out in April and I've already decided to move but I've paid a load of money upfront and according to the Mgmt Co I've to be sympathetic because boilers aren't cheap and Christmas is a difficult time of year!

What are my options, if I have any at all? Thanks in advance.

pmlindyloo

Have you got any other form of heating and hot water ?

You have done the correct thing by reporting it to the LA/LL (make sure you have your request to fix it in writing) but at the moment it is still working so difficult to insist that it is replaced.

Looks like you may have to wait until it breaks completely to get anything done so make sure you get some back up free standing heaters (borrow from friend/family) just in case.

I know this isn't what you want to hear but realistically you cannot make your LL do anything without going through a lengthy procedure. (Shelter has some good information about this - I'll find the link)

Have you got a Gas Safety certificate?

pmlindyloo

Here's the link:

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/repairs_and_bad_conditions/repairs_in_private_lets/landlord_refusing_to_do_repairs

wildheart83

Thanks for the link I'll have a look there. I have a couple of oil filled radiators/heaters, but the shower runs off the boiler so when it does stop working I can't get a shower, I can only boil the kettle to get a wash.

I asked the management co what would happen if I stopped topping up the pressure and they advised that I'd be liable for the gas engineer's visit to top up the pressure so I feel like I'm stuck having to do my LL's job while she sits back laughing with my money.

Sorry forgot to say yes I have the gas safety cert, need to check the date on it though

pmlindyloo

Not sure what 'topping up the pressure' involves!

If it's more complicated than turning a knob then it might be worth asking for a small deduction from your rent as compensation for the inconvenience.

Since you are in a fixed term there is no question of landlord getting stroppy and evicting you (particularly as you intend to leave anyway) so asking for a reduction might be worth a try.

You could start your letter with 'am aware that this is an expensive time of the year and you do not wish to replace the boiler at the moment but it takes me *** minutes each ** to top up the pressure on the boiler so............................'

The LL can only say 'no'.

As I said before the boiler is still working so a difficult situation.

I don't suppose you are eligible for a free boiler are you? (google for more information)

dodger1

pmlindyloo wrote: »

Not sure what 'topping up the pressure' involves!

If it's more complicated than turning a knob then it might be worth asking for a small deduction from your rent as compensation for the inconvenience.

This. OP what is involved?

wildheart83

Sadly no, I'm not eligible for a free boiler, and I've already paid my rent upfront so I don't expect them to refund anything.

The boiler is boxed in so all the wood used to box it in needs to come off each time I need to get in to the tap/lever which is slightly annoying.

I guessed that there's probably not much I can do but wait for her, it's slightly frustrating that I've had 2 pages of faults and it's taking weeks to get anything fixed thanks for your help, it's appreciated