Landlord Problems

kenny0305

We have recently rented an older property. When we first viewed the property, we agreed to rent on completion of certain conditions, namely that we could decorate the property and that the property was professionally cleaned. We were granted access to decorate as agreed, prior to the cleaners coming in.

When we finally moved in though, the place was not what we would call "professionally clean". There were still sticky substances all over the kitchen worktops and the bath upstairs remains stained with a brown substance, something like varnish. We have complained to landlord who told us that the bath could not be cleaned any better and that as it still functions, it would not be replaced.

We have also recently approached the landlord concerning the complete lack of hot water pressure within the property to the point where we had to change our washing machine. After a plumber visited on a seperate problem, we were told we would need a negative flow pump(?). When we spoke to the owners we were told that these were the joys of living in an old house and nothing would be done about it.

Please advise as to what rights we have to expect reasonable levels of service from our landlord and whether or not we have any legal right to challenge decisions made about the property by the landlord which we dont feel are fair. We are new to the renting game and totally unsure. Are we complaining about nothing?

jenevieve

Hi kenny,

It's worth having a look at the contract you signed as that will stipulate what your landlord is (and isn't) responsible for.
It might also be worth talking to your neighbours if they live in similar properties and find out what their water pressure is like and what they have done about it.
If the lack of hot water pressure is seriously affecting you then I think it is reasonable to expect the landlord to do something about it.

Good luck.