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No handrail on stairs in rented house

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I have just moved into a rented house. The stairs are enclosed with walls either side but there is no handrail. I have a toddler who would struggles without the rail. I am also heavily pregnant and find it very difficult with no support. I'm nervous about carrying a newborn up and down stairs with no rail.

The day we lived in I asked the landlord to install one, she says she doesn't want to. A week later I asked again pointing out my specific concerns including I had 2 small slips (nothing serious but nothing to hold on to). She has just replied "With there being a wall either side we don't feel it's necessary and with the new tenancy to get the house right we have had lots of outlay in getting the house up to a good standard so this still isn't something we want done".

Is there anything more I can do?
Thanks in advance.
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Comments

  • G_M
    G_M Posts: 51,977 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Offer to pay to have a handrail installed if the LL will give permission.

    Or install a handrail, and then remove it and make good any damage when the tenancy ends.
  • LittleMax
    LittleMax Posts: 1,408 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    You could ask if the LL would give permission for you to install a rail at your own expense.

    Edit - Great minds...
  • Mojisola
    Mojisola Posts: 35,571 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    cstreet wrote: »
    I have just moved into a rented house. The stairs are enclosed with walls either side but there is no handrail.

    Didn't you notice this before you chose this house to rent?
  • discat11
    discat11 Posts: 537 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts
    As the two posters said above, the onus is on the tenant to install (with permission) rather than the LL.
    Presumably you looked over the property before taking on the tenancy and therefore you had the choice to accept it as it was or not?

    I know this sounds a little harsh but the LL is presumably renting the property to make money and part of that is not spending money where it simply doesn't need to be spent from their perspective.
  • G_M
    G_M Posts: 51,977 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Mojisola wrote: »
    Didn't you notice this before you chose this house to rent?
    I nearly asked this quesion in my post but felt the answer was self-evident!
  • whitewing
    whitewing Posts: 11,852 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Buy a handrail kit for £65 from b and q and see if the landlord will install if they have diy skills. It's a compromise. And don't take it with you when you leave in this circumstance.
    :heartsmil When you find people who not only tolerate your quirks but celebrate them with glad cries of "Me too!" be sure to cherish them. Because these weirdos are your true family.
  • theartfullodger
    theartfullodger Posts: 15,693 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Ask landlord to fix one. If he won't involve council & request HHSRS survey. From memory handrails is noted as an issue.

    Expect to (eventually) get evicted for your pains.

    Next time, as indicated, engage brain & eyes before signing (apologies for bluntness)
  • Money_maker
    Money_maker Posts: 5,471 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Many homes don't have a handrail. Teach your toddler to come down backwards if that's easier. Not sure why an adult would struggle to move up and down a staircase without a handrail even if pregnant.
    Please do not quote spam as this enables it to 'live on' once the spam post is removed. ;)

    If you quote me, don't forget the capital 'M'

    Declutterers of the world - unite! :rotfl::rotfl:
  • cstreet
    cstreet Posts: 29 Forumite
    It just didn't cross my mind to see if there was a handrail I'm afraid, I don't think I realised it was an important feature to us. Live and learn I guess!

    I'm happy to fund this myself if necessary. Just wondered if there was any legislation regarding handrails in stairs that would apply. House was built in 1970's if that makes any difference.
  • Thrugelmir
    Thrugelmir Posts: 89,546 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Landlords have a legal responsibility to provide safe accommodation for their tenants. Tenant could claim for a trip or fall under the Landlords public liability insurance. Given the prior correspondence would the insurer accept the claim?
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