Responsibility for repairs on private rented house

Kath422343

Hi, I'm hoping for some advice about repair work that needs to be done on the house I am privately renting. It is indirectly money related but feel like I am being unfairly financially tied up by this.

I have signed a 6 month assured shorthold tenancy agreement on 28th April so am tied in for 6 months.
When we moved in to the property we found a number of things in poor condition that we were not aware of at the time of viewing, which include the following:
Radiator in the lounge not working
Condensation and mould on windows, windows in general poor condition not correctly sealed, one of the windows has broken hinges and won't close so is therefore not secure
Gaps in front and back doors
Internal doors have dropped/broken handles and some have dents/holes as though they have been kicked
General decor is poor - the walls have lots of holes, uneven surfaces, paint splatters on skirting boards and doors etc
We have been charged £85 to get the aerial repaired which was already installed at the property when we moved in but not working due to an electrical fault (we believe this to be the Landlord's responsibility)
The fascias on the exterior of the property are disintegrating and there is a large hole

The property is being managed by a lettings agent and all the above issues were raised with them in writing on 3rd May. I have just received a response from them saying they are not prepared to go ahead with any repair work to resolve the issues.

From what I have read online I am sure at least some if not all of the repair issues are the responsibility of the Landlord/Letting agent - I do not see how we should be expected to cover the cost of the repairs ourselves when we are paying £850 a month in rent plus paid around £700 in fees alone when we started the tenancy agreement a month ago.

Can anyone advise me of the best action to take to get the repair work done, or is there a way I can get out of the tenancy agreement or rent payment if my home is in disrepair?

I am currently 5 months pregnant and want to be settled into a property in a fit state of repair before my baby arrives.

Many thanks

G_M

* Repairing Obligations: the law, common misconceptions, reporting/enforcing, retaliatory eviction & the new protection (2015)

gingercordial

Kath422343 wrote: »

When we moved in to the property we found a number of things in poor condition that we were not aware of at the time of viewing, which include the following:
Radiator in the lounge not working
Condensation and mould on windows, windows in general poor condition not correctly sealed, one of the windows has broken hinges and won't close so is therefore not secure
Gaps in front and back doors
Internal doors have dropped/broken handles and some have dents/holes as though they have been kicked
General decor is poor - the walls have lots of holes, uneven surfaces, paint splatters on skirting boards and doors etc

I get that you might not have noticed the radiator not working, but how could you not have been aware of the decor, doors etc when you viewed it? Surely you then agreed to rent it in that condition?

teddysmum

I can't see how you could be unaware of some of the problems, especially anything looking shabby.


Does the radiator not just need bleeding (a simple DIY process) ?

Kath422343

Hi, no, the radiator does not need bleeding. There is a problem with the radiator and the internal pipes, we had a visit from a plumber to do a quotation for the work 20 days ago and the letting agents have still not authorised the work to go ahead.

Kath422343

Penitent fair point but that doesn't really help me solve the problem...!
The list of repairs was in response to receiving the letting agents itinerary which described items that are in poor condition as being in good condition.
I didn't agree with the itinerary so have not signed it.
The 5 minute viewing we had with the letting agent 7 weeks before we moved in to the property was not enough time to do a thorough inspection of the property and be fully aware of all it's flaws.

Out,_Vile_Jelly

The key issues are the window that doesn't shut properly (possibly invalidating your contents insurance) and radiator. Write to the agent calming describing the problems and stating you expect these to be repaired in a timely manner (radiator clearly not urgent this time of year).

The shabby decor was presumably like that when you viewed the place, and can't be a surprise to you? Make sure the dents/paint marks are clearly described on the inventory- take your own photos.

Edit- we posted at the same time. Cross out "good" and write "poor" where required before signing and returning the inventory, keeping a copy with your own dated photos.

teddysmum

You were allowed to view the property before agreeing and saw what it was like (except for the radiator),so it's your problem that you agreed after a very cursory look. You should have insisted on more time or a second visit.


The rent will have been priced to match the condition, which was not hidden, so improvements will mean higher rent.

Cakeguts

Well you have only got another 5 months to go and then you can rent a property where the decor is more to your taste. It won't be this one though.