No heating!

flying_v

That's a shame, I guess I need to get a definative answer from either the council or the CAB. I have a feeling this will be one of those lessons learnt from bitter experience - mental note to check for heating in the next place we rent!

How expensive are these electric heaters to run? Maybe I get the landlord (or we could pay for) better ones????

Guy_Montag

flying_v wrote: »

That's a shame, I guess I need to get a definative answer from either the council or the CAB. I have a feeling this will be one of those lessons learnt from bitter experience - mental note to check for heating in the next place we rent!

How expensive are these electric heaters to run? Maybe I get the landlord (or we could pay for) better ones????

Unfortunately electric heaters are more expensive that gas heating. I'm soo sorry for you. I'd be livid.

Have you called shelter?

Badger_Lady

Hello! I've just read through all this, and I'm still slightly confused about the timeline for all this...

- Was there "working central heating" when you first got the keys? (When was that?)

- My impression is that the heating was only declared "broken" sometime after you moved in... is that accurate? How long after you moved in?

- What sort of electric heating are they talking about? If they're looking at replacing (even temporarily) the central heating with wall-mounted storage heaters or similar, in order to adequately heat the property, surely this will be no cheaper than fixing the boiler?

If they're suggesting a few free-standing fan-heaters or electric radiators, I wouldn't be happy with this. I used these once and they were ineffective, expensive to run, and took up a lot of space in a small house. They were also not the safest - you could either burn yourself on them, catch fire to something that drifts near (the fan heaters) or trip over them cos they're in the middle of the room!

- Is there anyone "vulnerable" living at your property (i.e. young, old or disabled)? Who does live there - is it you and your OH?

Someone earlier suggested that, as long as the landlord provides a form of heating, you have no case. However, what counts as a form of heating? If a house had a couple of open fireplaces, would that do?

flying_v

Guy_Montag, thanks for the Shelter info - i've contacted them via email.

Badger_Lady, hopefully I can clarify..

Got the keys three weeks ago, the central heating wasn't working then. Yes, the heating 'problem' was discovered after we put 2 and 2 together and their maintenence guy told me that the property has no gas, only hot water and he'd been there before.

I would assume they are talking about a couple of micromark small portable radiators - just like what we have now. Maybe I should get clarification as wall mounted storage heaters sound good!

Just me and the OH living here, we're not vulnerable just cold!

EDIT: was just looking at wall mounted panel heaters. Maybe a comprimise is to see if we can upgrade...?

flying_v

I've spoken to them regarding heating and they will just supply more of the Micromark small portable heaters. I've not agreed to accept them yet. Got a reply from Shelter today, think I need clarification from them surrounding repairs to boiler and installating a new boiler. I must admit i'm thinking about not pursuing this as the landlord could just evict us?

In the meantime there is action you can take to get the repairs done.

Landlords are always responsible for certain repairs. This includes
anything relating to the structure of the property (including flashings
and windows), wiring, plumbing, sanitation and so on. This would include
repairs to the boiler.

You can read about what repairs your landlord is responsible for here:

http://england.shelter.org.uk/advice/advice-4075.cfm

Repairs should be carried out in a reasonable amount of time. What’s
reasonable will depend upon the type of repair; urgent repairs such as no
heating or hot water should be carried out as soon as possible.

If your landlord refuses to carry out repairs for which s/he’s responsible
your first step is to try to negotiate with him/her in writing. It’s
important to give him/her written notice because your landlord only
becomes responsible for the repair when s/he’s been notified of the
problem. It may be difficult to prove s/he’s been notified if there’s
nothing in writing to confirm this. You can download some sample letters
to use here:



In the meantime there is action you can take to get the repairs done.

Landlords are always responsible for certain repairs. This includes
anything relating to the structure of the property (including flashings
and windows), wiring, plumbing, sanitation and so on. This would include
repairs to the boiler.

You can read about what repairs your landlord is responsible for here:

http://england.shelter.org.uk/advice/advice-4075.cfm

Repairs should be carried out in a reasonable amount of time. What’s
reasonable will depend upon the type of repair; urgent repairs such as no
heating or hot water should be carried out as soon as possible.

If your landlord refuses to carry out repairs for which s/he’s responsible
your first step is to try to negotiate with him/her in writing. It’s
important to give him/her written notice because your landlord only
becomes responsible for the repair when s/he’s been notified of the
problem. It may be difficult to prove s/he’s been notified if there’s
nothing in writing to confirm this. You can download some sample letters
to use here:

clutton_2

the landlord has provided alternative heating - there is no way you can legally force him to repair the boiler if he does not want to.

flying_v

Ok, thanks. I don't think there is a boiler at all, that's the problem. Maybe I'll just agree to accept the heaters or buy a decent floor standing one for £60. Does anyone know just how expensive they are to run?

Generali

flying_v wrote: »

Does anyone know just how expensive they are to run?

A 2kw heater will cost about 12p/hour to run. If it's on for 5 hours a day in the week and 10 hours a day at the w/e that's £5.40 p/w or about £140 for 6 months.

That'll be about enough to keep 1 room at a decent temperature but the rest of the house will be pretty chilly!

Working on the basis that your LL is an arrogant <male chicken> that won't do anything about this and you're going to want to move out the second your contract ends I'd:

1. Ask where the deposit is protected.
2. Sue the LL for not protecting the deposit if (s)he hasn't done so (seems unlikely). You'll get 3x the deposit back which should easily cover moving costs.
3. Tell your tale of woe to anyone that the LA brings round to the house so that the LL will have a big fat void at the end.
4. Leave as soon as your contract allows.

If you feel so inclined, tell the LL to forget the rent. Tell him that you aren't paying and make him sue you for it. He'll win but you can always settle at the last minute.

Go to the CAB or contact Shelter to get advice. They'll tell you exactly what's what.

flying_v

The deposit is proteced with a tenancy deposit scheme. We already plan to make sure new tenants don't get stung like we did. I'm on the verge of just dropping it, getting a decent floor heater and sticking it on a timer switch. I definately will get personal advice from CAB/Shelter first.

Thanks for the encouragement, my mood is entirely dependant on the advice I read in this thread!

mlz1413

i've just read this thread and i'm disgusted with the way you have been duped. Why do people (agent and LL) consider omission to = not lied!!

a) Is the rent cheaper than most properties in that area? (ie pointer for next time there is very rarely such a thing as a 'bargin' in property)

b) Will your LL reduce rent to cover extra cost of elec heaters?

c) Will your LL allow you to leave early due to the problems?