What to do if landlord wont fix anything?

falko89

We've been in our house since 2007, since then various things have gone wrong and at the start the landlord did fix them, but in recent year he ignores us, he avoids phone calls or if you can get him to answer he says "Aw i'll get that looked at and you never hear from him again"

The most recent incident is a rather serious issue, the fan in the kitchen went of with a bang, as well as that smoke started coming out of the switch that turns on the cooker so now can't use the cooker either. Phoned him "Aw I'll get an electrician organised and be in touch" never heard anything more, I phoned him last night the phone rang twice and he cut it off.

Thats what we're up against, I have 3 kids, we are having to rely on microwave food or take aways and its expensive not to mention dangerous us in this house that clearly has electrical issues.

What do we do?

LeoTLion

If the landlord is refusing to get the damaged assessed and repaired then you should speak to Private Sector Housing at your local council. They have statutory powers to require the landlord to carry out the works, or will complete the works themselves and then invoice the landlord.

Before going down this route, it's worth speaking (or writing) to the landlord telling them again about the problem and stating that if they don't get it fixed within a set amount of time then you'll have no choice but to contact the council.

pmlindyloo

Follow the advice outlined here:

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

In view of the fact that it is electrics that we are talking about then I would be going to the council first thing on Monday (or today if they are open) to speak to the private tenancy officer (may be called another name)

And/or you can ring Shelter.

Even though you have telephoned the landlord put everything in writing and send it to the landlord today. Keep a copy of the letter and a copy of the free receipt from the post office.

You could combine the sample letters to include your reporting to the council.

Do you have the landlord's email address? For quickness you could email and say you are going to the council on Monday as well as following up with that letter.

What is your tenancy situation? Be aware that you landlord may give you notice to quit if he is legally allowed to (depends on your tenancy agreement)

falko89

pmlindyloo wrote: »

Follow the advice outlined here:

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

In view of the fact that it is electrics that we are talking about then I would be going to the council first thing on Monday (or today if they are open) to speak to the private tenancy officer (may be called another name)

And/or you can ring Shelter.

Even though you have telephoned the landlord put everything in writing and send it to the landlord today. Keep a copy of the letter and a copy of the free receipt from the post office.

You could combine the sample letters to include your reporting to the council.

Do you have the landlord's email address? For quickness you could email and say you are going to the council on Monday as well as following up with that letter.

What is your tenancy situation? Be aware that you landlord may give you notice to quit if he is legally allowed to (depends on your tenancy agreement)

My tenancy was originally for 1 year but it just extended on, we never filled in another agreement etc. The landlord is kind of family, his brother is married to my wifes cousin

jjlandlord

Purely practical advice:
A cooker switch costs about £10. Can you change a switch, or do you know someone who could?
The person changing the switch would need to check if a portion of the cable has burnt and remove it.

Been there, done that...

Second option would be to follow the proper procedure to be able to deduct the cost of the repairs from the rent (if you hire an electrician yourself). Downside would be that it would p*ss off your landlord.

Last option would be to involve the council. Downside would be that it would be longer and also p*ss off your landlord.

falko89

jjlandlord wrote: »

Purely practical advice:
A cooker switch costs about £10. Can you change a switch, or do you know someone who could?
The person changing the switch would need to check if a portion of the cable has burnt and remove it.

Been there, done that...

Second option would be to follow the proper procedure to be able to deduct the cost of the repairs from the rent (if you hire an electrician yourself). Downside would be to p*ss off your landlord.

Last option would be to involve the council. Downside would be that it would be longer and also p*ss off your landlord.

The breaker should of blown before it even got to the length of giving of smoke, had my Mrs not of spotted this a fire could well of developed, the cooking fan which went bang previously is on the same electrical circuit. I believe the issue is more than simply fixing a switch, the cause needs to be found.

paulsad

Don't DIY electrics please. Could be multiple issues seen many cheapskate dangerous installs - showers connected to cooker circuits etc.

jjlandlord

falko89 wrote: »

The breaker should of blown before it even got to the length of giving of smoke,

That's not true, it depends what is wrong. A switch breaking down with shorting connection will not necessarily cause the circuit to break.

If you have RCDs, do you check them quaterly?

falko89 wrote: »

I believe the issue is more than simply fixing a switch, the cause needs to be found.

In that case, I would follow the second option in my previous post.

pmlindyloo

falko89 wrote: »

The breaker should of blown before it even got to the length of giving of smoke, had my Mrs not of spotted this a fire could well of developed, the cooking fan which went bang previously is on the same electrical circuit. I believe the issue is more than simply fixing a switch, the cause needs to be found.

To be honest if it is that dangerous and the LL is not doing anything then I would be getting an electrician myself and treating it as an emergency.

As regards paying then you could:

ask the electrician to send the bill to the LL (some will/some won't).
pay it myself and then send bill to the LL
pay it, move on and find somewhere new to live.

If it is that bad why risk your family's safety?

if you haven't the money, then borrow it.

I know you should go through the proper procedures but in cases like this I wouldn't worry about the legalities.

LeoTLion

jjlandlord wrote: »

That's not true, it depends what is wrong. A switch breaking down with shorting connection will not necessarily cause the circuit to break.

If you have RCDs, do you check them quaterly?



In that case, I would follow the second option in my previous post.

Anyone would think you don't want an EHO inspecting your rental property/ies. Why on earth might that be?

jjlandlord

LeoTLion wrote: »

Anyone would think you don't want an EHO inspecting your rental property/ies. Why on earth might that be?

As I said, my post was purely practical advice.

It seems to me that OP's interest is to have any issues fixed as soon as possible, not to create a sh*tstorm.

Advice given depends on OP's situation, not what I would or would not want. It is ridiculous to suggest otherwise.
Honni soit qui mal y pense