Asking landlord to repaint and fix damp problem? Long term let

ochilmum

We have rented our flat for 6 years, last year I asked permission to repaint the living room which I paid for and they were fine with. However the bedrooms really need attention and it’s quite a big job as it’s lining paper that’s peeling off and damp behind. I don’t really have the skill to fix it and it seems like quite an expensive project. I don’t really want to move but the shabbiness is really getting to me. And I’m due a baby in January so don’t love the idea of new baby + damp bedroom. Is it reasonable to ask the landlord to sort it? Whenever I’ve mentioned the damp before they’ve just said ‘oh that’s Normal for Scottish houses’ I’m literally wiping black mold off the walls despite having a dehumidifier. 

diego_94

Best advice - Move

ochilmum

diego_94 said:

Best advice - Move

Because it’s not fixable or because the landlords won’t do it? 

AdrianC

ochilmum said:

diego_94 said:

Best advice - Move

Because it’s not fixable or because the landlords won’t do it? 

You've asked.
They've fobbed you off.

Move.

You cannot FORCE them to look after the property properly. Their loss.

Also - being a flat, any issues with external walls are not their direct responsibility, either. I don't quite understand Scottish block maintenance, but I believe it's the factor?

saajan_12

Reasonable to ask LL to improve - yes
Reasonable for LL to refuse - yes
Basically no harm in asking, they might agree as an incentive to keep a good tenant. They may also say no, as there's no obligation to decorate - you can then decide whether to move, pay someone to do it, do it yourself or live with it. 

Grumpy_chap

You can ask the LL to deal with it.
A good LL will deal with it as they want to keep a happy customer and preserve the condition of the property.  Especially after being there for 6 years, it is due a spruce-up.
If your LL won't deal with it, the choices left are to fix at your cost or to move elsewhere. 

ochilmum

AdrianC said:

ochilmum said:

diego_94 said:

Best advice - Move

Because it’s not fixable or because the landlords won’t do it? 

You've asked.
They've fobbed you off.

Move.

You cannot FORCE them to look after the property properly. Their loss.

Also - being a flat, any issues with external walls are not their direct responsibility, either. I don't quite understand Scottish block maintenance, but I believe it's the factor?

I don’t think that’s a factor, it’s 4 flats that looks like a semi-detached from the outside. The 4 owners recently paid for some repairs to the roof so I think the walls would be the flat owners responsibility. 

But you’re right it seems they don’t care if their walls crumble from damp 🤦🏻‍♀️ I might try one last ask via the estate agency then look for a new place. It would be a shame as the garden here is great, one of the main reasons we’ve stayed so long. 

diego_94

Remember to do this properly in writing.
https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/repairs/how_to_report_repairs_to_a_private_landlord

macman

How will asking via the LA help? They work for the LL and take his instructions. 
You are a long term tenant, and presumably a good one as far as the LL is concerned. Your rent is not in arrears (?), you maintain the property, and have even done some decorating at your own expense. So I'd call his bluff: contribute to the much-needed redecorating, or face all the expenses of obtaining a new tenant.
If it's as bad as you say, then he'll need to redecorate before he can re-let anyway. 
If all that doesn't convince him, he's another shambolic amateur.

[Deleted User]

diego_94 said:

Remember to do this properly in writing.
https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/repairs/how_to_report_repairs_to_a_private_landlord

That’s not going to help a tenant in Scotland. 

ochilmum

macman said:

How will asking via the LA help? They work for the LL and take his instructions. 
You are a long term tenant, and presumably a good one as far as the LL is concerned. Your rent is not in arrears (?), you maintain the property, and have even done some decorating at your own expense. So I'd call his bluff: contribute to the much-needed redecorating, or face all the expenses of obtaining a new tenant.
If it's as bad as you say, then he'll need to redecorate before he can re-let anyway. 
If all that doesn't convince him, he's another shambolic amateur.

Thanks you’re right, it will definitely need a huge amount of work when we leave, it’s not just the walls, the bathroom needs regrouting, the carpets are beyond shabby and the kitchen is screaming for a Reno! We’ve always paid our rent on time and generally have a good relationship with them.