Landlord being difficult about repairs

smileigh

I rent privately and moved into a new property just over two weeks ago. Quickly I noticed the sink in the kitchen wasn't draining properly so bought some unblocking liquid but it made no difference. Over the next 2 days it got worse so I contacted the maintenance department of our estate agents and they sent someone round who used a plunger and said there was nothing more he could do. Later that evening the sink stopped draining altogether.
It took two more days to get a plumber sent to the property. He advised that the whole waste pipe needs to be replaced and informed the estate agents of the cost of this. This was a week ago now and the landlord has authorised it but has not transferred the money to the agents so the work cannot be booked in.
I don't have the landlord's contact details so I can't speak to them directly.
I have spent the last 10 days not being able to use my kitchen properly at all - I can't use the sink or washing machine. I have been washing up in the bathroom which is quite horrid.
The latest suggestion was that I pay for the work and they deduct it from my rent which just seems like a silly thing to do. I'm really frustrated and unhappy that I'm paying £700 a month to live in a property that in my opinion isn't fit to live in.

My question is, is there anything I should/could do?

marksoton

smileigh wrote: »

I don't have the landlord's contact details so I can't speak to them directly.

Got a copy of your lease? Then you will.

Or failing that check the LR for £3.

maninthestreet

Surely it's just a blocked pipe/drain - why is there a need to replace anything?

smileigh

Apparently not. They've attempted to unblock to no avail. I'm not entirely sure what the issue is but they have said they need to take up floorboards throughout the flat to deal with it. The property was empty for some time before I moved in.

marksoton

smileigh wrote: »

Apparently not. They've attempted to unblock to no avail. I'm not entirely sure what the issue is but they have said they need to take up floorboards throughout the flat to deal with it. The property was empty for some time before I moved in.

I find this hard to believe for a washing machine and sink drainage.

Marvel1

smileigh wrote: »

.
The latest suggestion was that I pay for the work and they deduct it from my rent which just seems like a silly thing to do. I'm really frustrated and unhappy that I'm paying £700 a month to live in a property that in my opinion isn't fit to live in.

Seems the only option, but get it in writing first.

Pixie5740

You can get the landlord's contact details by WRITING to the letting agency and requesting them under the Landlord & Tenant Act 1985. By law the LA must supply the contact details within 21 days.

You don't need to hang about trying to get the landlord's contact details though. The landlord pays an agent to act on his behalf and I presume the address for the serving of notices in your TA is c/o the LA?

Your options now are to either arrange the work yourself and deduct it from your rent as suggested by the LA. Get this agreement in WRITING before you go ahead with it as well as a maximum spend limit, or you can escalate the repairs to the council. The first way is probably the easiest and quickest way to get this sorted.

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

smileigh

marksoton wrote: »

I find this hard to believe for a washing machine and sink drainage.

I have no idea to be honest - my plumbing knowledge is very limited so I am trusting what the plumbers say. In any case, the landlord has authorised it but seems to be reluctant about paying.

Miss_Samantha

When is your rent next payable?

smileigh

Miss_Samantha wrote: »

When is your rent next payable?

30th of June.

Miss_Samantha

smileigh wrote: »

30th of June.

Ah you're bang in the middle.

I think that you are being messed about, as I don't see why the agent/contractor is expecting the landlord to pay in advance.
By the time the work is done you'll be paying rent and the agent will have cash to pay the invoice.