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How do i approach this?

betterlatethannever
betterlatethannever Posts: 5,280 Forumite
Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
in House buying, renting & selling
Hi
Currently renting a 2 bed flat, but one of the bedrooms was affected by a water leak and its still not been sorted 10 months on. Plaster/paint/wallpaper missing and a problem with the window; unattractive but not unsafe.

I'm paying a two bedroom rent for a one bedroom property- or am i being too picky?
If i moved out he would certainly have to sort that room before anyone would move in.

Any advice on how i should handle this please?
The first time we said hello, was the first time we said goodbye. As the angels took your tiny hand and flew you to the sky-you forever left us breathless. RIP my beautiful granddaughter :(

Comments

  • Tixy
    Tixy Posts: 31,455 Forumite
    Is the second bedroom unusable?

    Have you written to the landlord since you originally informed him of the problem?
    What has the landlord said about why they haven't arranged a repair?
    A smile enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give
    or "It costs nowt to be nice"
  • betterlatethannever
    betterlatethannever Posts: 5,280 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Thanks for the reply, its not totally unusable, in that its a H & S risk, but i wouldn't put anyone in there, and, as i said, he wouldn't be able to re-let it without having the work done.

    I haven't approached him yet as i get a promise, almost weekly, that its going to be sorted 'this week'. Someone did do a little work on it but never finished it, making it even more of a mess and very dirty/dusty.

    He says he can't get the workmen to turn up when they say they are going to.

    Is a letter the best way of dealing with this then?
    Thanks
    The first time we said hello, was the first time we said goodbye. As the angels took your tiny hand and flew you to the sky-you forever left us breathless. RIP my beautiful granddaughter :(
  • Tixy
    Tixy Posts: 31,455 Forumite
    Yes, any issues with the property / repairs needed etc are best sent by post.

    Even if you phone and speak to the landlord/agent first it is best to always follow up your call in writing. There is advice and a sample letter on this shelter link http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/repairs_and_bad_conditions/repairs_in_private_lets/reporting_repairs_to_a_landlord
    A smile enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give
    or "It costs nowt to be nice"
  • theartfullodger
    theartfullodger Posts: 15,988 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    You need to write (yes, WRITE! - keep copy) to landlord (yes, LANDLORD, copy agent) about this. See here for advice & a draft letter.
    http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/repairs_and_bad_conditions/repairs_in_private_lets/reporting_repairs_to_a_landlord
  • Micromat
    Micromat Posts: 27 Forumite
    If anyone knows the correct way it's theartfullodger (TAL)...
    Another way, you could ask the LL if you can have the work done and stop the cost from the rent (get estimate and agree with LL first)
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