Tenancy advice please - open sewer in kitchen!

custardcream

Quick update for you. Private Sector Housing Advice have said that although the sewage smell is obviously vile, it's not actually a health risk, (this coming from someone who used to work in environmental health). What is an issue is the fact they haven't covered the hole which could lead to someone coming in contact with the sewage, (especially children putting their hands in - thank god mine aren't toddlers anymore). Therefore I'm quite within my rights to insist they cover the hole even if temporarily which should reduce the smell. I can insist they investigate the sewage outside to resolve any issues with drains but I can't insist they clear the waste from underneath the floorboards however in time it will absorb into the soil. Apparently it's only because it's winter that it's an issue - in hot weather it would have dried out and resolved itself within a matter of days. So my plan is to a) keep on at the landlord and make it clear the problem is not going away on its own. b) keep on at the plumber and make sure the outside drains are cleared as a priority. c) get the hole in the wall patched up. If need be I'll get b) and c) sorted by someone else and send him the receipts ;-) I'm also going to make a nuisance of myself with environmental health and see if I can get any further with them. Moving out would be a nightmare (family of 6 inc autistic child & dog) but I'm already living one - only hoping that patching up the wall will make a dramatic difference to the stench but fairly sure I'm kidding myself. :-/ Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Pixie5740

You still haven't answered whether or not you've been provided with an address in England or Wales for the serving of notices. Unless you have then you can legitimately withhold rent until one is provided. That would really make you a PINA.

RAS

And since you are paying rent direct to the Landlord has he provided your with the required HMRC certificate proving he is paying tax properly.

You need to know this.

Pixie5740

RAS wrote: »

And since you are paying rent direct to the Landlord has he provided your with the required HMRC certificate proving he is paying tax properly.

You need to know this.

I think it's HMRC that provide the tenant with the certificate so if the OP hasn't received anything from HMRC then there's a good chance that the tax should be getting deducted and the OP paying paying the tax to HMRC.

custardcream

Blimey re tax stuff. I'll be looking at that. Thanks.