Rented flat - unfurnished - rights?

SquirrelSmall

I rent in England under an AST, unfurnished.

Last Tuesday morning, I came through to water pouring down the walls and through the light fittings.

After shenanigans with the managing agents, I got hold of the landlord of the flat above. Water continued to come through throughout the day, despite me running upstairs and advising the residents of the damage.

Since that time, my letting agency have advised me that I should not use the cooker or oven, or the lights in the affected area.

On Friday it was established that the issue did, indeed, come from the upstairs flat (by running more water through the flat, including light fittings). So I was advised to continue refraining from using my kitchen.

We're verging on Monday. The assumption from the agency is that I will be present to let in tradesmen and facilitate access. But, I do have work.

How to play this? They will not let me use the kitchen facilities until they are signed off by their workmen, and the whole kitchen needs stripping out and refitting (huge water damage).

G_M

The property is uninhabitable if you have no heating and/or cooking facilities.

The landlord should temporarily re-house you (in a hotel if necessary). Any decent landlords insurance policy would cover this, but if the LL does not have the appropriate insurance then he should bear the cost himself.

You need to be firm in your request for this.

You need to write formally to the LL, and copy the agent, insisting on this.

You should involve the council's Privare Tenancy Officer, or Environmental Health.

cooltt

What a complete drama queen you are.

The agents / landlord have a right to enter whether you're present or not to carryout emergency repairs. Why on earth are you looking to make it difficult for them. Grow up.

SquirrelSmall

I have worked from home partially, or wholly, for four days, rearranging face to face meetings to accommodate the needs of the agency/landlord. I don't see how I'm being obstructive or precious. Perhaps you'd like to enlighten me as to how more flexible I should be? (I don't do yoga that frequently - is that your line of thinking?)

itchyfeet123

cooltt wrote: »

What a complete drama queen you are.

The agents / landlord have a right to enter whether you're present or not to carryout emergency repairs. Why on earth are you looking to make it difficult for them. Grow up.

That seems totally uncalled for. Nothing the OP has said here or in the duplicate thread suggest s/he's been making it difficult for the landlord to do repairs. Meanwhile, s/he's been unable to cook, not to mention the safety issues raised by water getting into the electrics.

Norman_Castle

cooltt wrote: »

The agents / landlord have a right to enter whether you're present or not to carryout emergency repairs.

These aren't emergency repairs. This is making good after a leak.

A landlord is allowed to enter to make the property safe or prevent further damage.

dimbo61

This could be a long drawn out process.
If your LL and letting agents are on the ball they can quickly get tradesmen in to quote for repairs and provide evidence of the damage done by the water leak from the property above you.
The buildings insurance company for the flat upstairs will need to pay for the repair work needed.
Will this involve new ceilings/walls/kitchen units etc