Letting agent from hell - landlord not much better

doverdover

I'd really rather not have to escalate it, as it will cause so much bad feeling, but at this point I'm not really sure what I am supposed to do.

It seems crazy that they can just keep saying "we don't think there is a problem" having not been here!

stator

Be careful and make sure you take all the steps to protect yourself from revenge evictions:

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/repairs/revenge_eviction_if_you_ask_for_repairs

Once you have made yourself aware of all that information, you should go ahead and escalate it using the proper method, keeping copies of everything and double checking against the shelter advice

Pixie5740

doverdover wrote: »

I'd really rather not have to escalate it, as it will cause so much bad feeling, but at this point I'm not really sure what I am supposed to do.

It seems crazy that they can just keep saying "we don't think there is a problem" having not been here!

What's the point of this thread? Did you just want to vent?

If you've reached an impasse and you don't want to escalate the repairs then the only option you are left with is to suck it up buttercup unless you're willing to pay for the repairs yourself.

theartfullodger

doverdover wrote: »

I've asked several times for their contact details and each time the agent has refused - the only details I have are the name of the company which owns the house (offshore tax dodge type arrangement I think). I've sent maybe seven emails requesting them, nothing. .....

And this offshore company is named as landlord? If so you should also have an address in England or Wales for the landlord (the company) or no rent is due...

Assuming land registry confirm this offshore company is the owner, then write (yes, WRITE - keep copy) to landlord (the company) at their registered address.

If land registry has another name as owner, ask why.

If you can't be *rs*d to escalate it's probably never going to get fixed. Please escalate, if not for yourself but for the next poor tenants.

Good luck!

doverdover

What's the point of this thread? Did you just want to vent?

I am asking for advice on:

1) What is the next step re: the property
- it sounds as though that is contacting environmental health, I have my answer, even if it isn't my preferred action. I would prefer a way of speaking to the landlord direct - but it sounds as though the only way I can get their details is via the council anyway at this stage.

2) Is the behaviour of the letting agent legal, or should I be reporting them somewhere. If so, where.
- This I don't know about yet.

And as for 'are you just venting' - I'm paying many thousands of pounds to be ignored and live in what is turning out to be a substandard property, managed by people who have zero interest in it or us. I think a little venting isn't surprising!

doverdover

I'm going to ring the council now - I agree, even if we manage to leave, another tenant will end up dealing with in instead.

aneary

If you have sent a letter to the LL then send another one informing him that you are now contacting the environmental health (cc in the LA). contact the environmental health they are usually very good and can arrange an appointment within a couple of weeks. You LL will be served notice to fix anything they deem neccessary and if they don't fix it the council will and will claim back from the LL.

As for complaining about the LA you need to follow their complaints procedure. Once that is exhusted then you go to the ombudsman (this will be on their website).

steampowered

Practically, you should take detailed photos of all the issues with the property, and the date on which the photos are taken.

You may need evidence at a later stage. For example if you get to the end of the lease and it is time to claim damages from the landlord.

Pixie5740

How will the council assist you in getting the landlord's details? Is this offshore company the entity that is named as your landlord in your tenancy agreement.

What has the letting agent done that you believe is illegal? You haven't requested the landlord's contact details in writing, as in a letter, yet. Quite rightly the letting agency won't go ahead with repairs without the landlord's approval. Remember that the only contract the letting agent has is with the landlord. It's the landlord who is responsible for carrying out the necessary repairs.

If you are unhappy with the conduct of the letting agency then follow their complaints procedure and if you're still not satisfied escalate your complaint to whichever redress scheme the letting agency is registered with.

I'm surprised that if the damp is as bad as you say that you didn't smell it when viewing the property.

theartfullodger

NB Follow letting agent complaints process (they have to have one) then use the letting agent redress scheme: see
https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/private_renting/letting_agent_redress_schemes

- But your contract is with the landlord, whoever is named as landlord on the contract. Go after/to the landlord!