I need some help! Im so stuck. Regards renting property real quick.

ultimatefighter

Hey guys. I need some help and it's a pretty straight forward question.

Streets Ahead are my lettings agent and I have issues in the property.

1. Rotting wood in bathroom causing chest infections from shower and poor ventilation in bathroom.
2. Broken window which is liability for being burgled and entry into property

They are taking so long to sort all of this out since more than 6 months ago and nothing has been done mainly about the bathroom.

Is there anybody I can go to for reporting the fact that this has not been done and for some action to be taken?

browneyedbazzi

Contact your local council's environmental health team.

If there is really a risk to health they will be able to assist.

WestonDave

Have you notified the problems in writing to the landlord directly (address should be on the tenancy agreement). Until they are aware, (regardless of the involvement of the agent) it may be hard to enforce remedial action - they could claim that the agent hadn't passed on the information. So a written letter sent recorded delivery detailing the issues should be the first port of call.


Neither of those two look too hard to fix - temporarily, ensure the window is at least partly open during showering so as to reduce humidity.

ultimatefighter

WestonDave wrote: »

Have you notified the problems in writing to the landlord directly (address should be on the tenancy agreement). Until they are aware, (regardless of the involvement of the agent) it may be hard to enforce remedial action - they could claim that the agent hadn't passed on the information. So a written letter sent recorded delivery detailing the issues should be the first port of call.


Neither of those two look too hard to fix - temporarily, ensure the window is at least partly open during showering so as to reduce humidity.

Hi Dave.

Thank you very much. I shall write a letter real quick now and send both to letting agent and landlord.

It's not so much about the humidity inside the bathroom although this is bad too but the fact that the wood is rotting because of the contact of water on it which is unavoidable. THe bathroom is only partly tiled up to half way so there is skirting above the tiles which is porous....

The place is also suffering from internal damage caused by leaking water so damage to wood, walls causing condensation and mould (treated at times), and cracks appearing in walls etc....

WestonDave

Whilst the position of the wood isn't ideal, it can be OK if its dried off after use and the excess humidity etc removed. Yes water contact is inevitable but its only if its left wet and in a steamy atmosphere that it will rot quickly. Its good practice in bathrooms to wipe down the excess water and to leave ventilation in place for a while after showering because even the best designed rooms will suffer long term if left damp.


Similarly although un-insulated walls can be prone to condensation, this can also be avoided by good ventilation and sufficient heating. It arises when trapped moisture from breathing, drying clothes, cooking and showering hits a cold surface - so minimising those activities (shower with the door shut and window open, open the bedroom window at night slightly, cook with pan lids on and avoid drying clothes in the house) whilst keeping heat levels sensible will help to minimise problems.


Obviously water leaks and cracks in walls will need to be addressed.

agrinnall

I'd ask for this to be moved to the Housing board where you'll get advice from experts in the field who don't usually venture this far down the forum. Send a PM to Chickabiddybex.

ultimatefighter

Dave. Good ventilation like an extractor fan built into the window?