Agent & landlord terminate contract early.

Lisa2751

Hi.

I am looking for some advice please.

I moved into a new house at the start on November. I signed a 6 month tenancy. We I viewed the house it smelt a little musty but had all the doors and windows open and plugins. Once I had moved into the house, I noticed the house was damp. I reported it to my agent and the landlords dad came to repoint the brickwork. This didn't resolve the issue and so I had a damp proof expert come and quote for the issue. It was a huge job and would cost a lot. The agent suggested ending the tenancy. I cannot afford to end a tenancy and start a new one with another agent and wait for the return of my deposit. The contract has been broken by the landlord and she can't afford the work is needed.

I don't want to be awkward as I feel for her situation but I don't want to be out of pocket either.

What can I do in this situation please. Amy advice? The agent even says he hasn't been in a situation like this before too.

G_M

You could:


* enforce repairs on the property, if necessary by going to Environmental Health. see
* Repairing Obligations: the law, common misconceptions, reporting/enforcing, retaliatory eviction & the new tenant protection (2015)


* get the property condemned as unfit for habiation by EH - the LL will have to either re-house you pending repair os 'frustrate' the tenancy


* agree to terminate the tenancy, including negotiating for the LL to pay you your associated costs - get any agreement in writing.

[Deleted User]

You are in a strong negotiating position. Ask for your deposit back now (has it been protected?) and something towards moving costs.

Did you call in a free damp survey company who have a vested interest in finding damp and often recommend works that aren't needed, or a truly independent specialist? It might be that not as much work as the 'expert' suggested is actually needed. You might not have to move.