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

AdrianC

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

https://scotland.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/repairs_and_bad_conditions/repairs_in_private_rented_accommodation/getting_your_landlord_to_do_repairs

[Deleted User]

ochilmum said:

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. 

If you've been renting the property for 6 years you will have either an Assured Tenancy or a Short Assured Tenancy.  If you're not sure which then you can use Shelter Scotland's tenancy checker.

https://scotland.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/downloads_and_tools/online_checkers/what_kind_of_tenancy_do_i_have

In Scotland your landlord is responsible for keeping the property wind and watertight, and in a condition that is safe and comfortable to live in. They're also responsible for ensuring that the repairing standard is met. This is a basic level of repair that is required by law. 

The repairing standard

Your landlord must make sure your home reaches a standard level of repair called the 'repairing standard'.

To meet the repairing standard:

• the property must be wind and watertight

• the property must be fit for you to live in, meeting the 'tolerable standard'

• the structure and exterior of the property (for example, the walls and roof) must be in a reasonable condition

• the installations for the supply of water, gas, electricity, and for sanitation, space heating and heating water must be in a reasonable state of repair and in proper working order (these include external installations such as drains)

• any fixtures, fittings or appliances provided by the landlord (such as carpets, light fittings, white goods and household equipment) must be in a reasonable state of repair and in proper working order

• any furnishings provided by the landlord must be capable of being used safely for the purpose for which they are designed

• the property must have suitable smoke/fire detectors - they should be mains powered or lithium battery powered, check Shelter Scotland's fire safety page for more information

• the property must have suitable provision for for giving warning if the carbon monoxide levels are hazardous to a person's heath.

If your home doesn't reach this standard and your landlord refuses to carry out the necessary work, you can report them to the Housing and Property Chamber of the First Tier Tribunal.

Advice on getting a landlord in Scotland to carry out repairs can be found here including a template letter to use:

https://scotland.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/repairs_and_bad_conditions/repairs_in_private_rented_accommodation/getting_your_landlord_to_do_repairs

Finally, no damp is not normal for Scottish houses.

letsbetfair

ochilmum said:

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. 

I know moving isn't easy, but you've made a good argument for moving! Yiu might be able to pressure your landlord into fixing the damp, but what about the other issues you mention? If something big needs doing in future, LL's attitude that damp is normal for Scottish flats (it's not, of course, though can be a pain to fix) doesn't suggest he'd sort other problems out promptly.
If you can afford to move, I'd move! Even if this place is cheaper than other flats in the area, it's cheaper for a reason

ochilmum

letsbetfair said:

ochilmum said:

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. 

I know moving isn't easy, but you've made a good argument for moving! Yiu might be able to pressure your landlord into fixing the damp, but what about the other issues you mention? If something big needs doing in future, LL's attitude that damp is normal for Scottish flats (it's not, of course, though can be a pain to fix) doesn't suggest he'd sort other problems out promptly.
If you can afford to move, I'd move! Even if this place is cheaper than other flats in the area, it's cheaper for a reason

Ah you’re right, I know it really, I just can’t face packing everything up and finding something suitable! Sounds exhausting 🙈

Adsta

Wiping off black mold sounds pretty grim regardless of where you are in the country. If you a due a baby in Jan, like you mentioned do you really want your new born in a place surrounded by mold? Best to try move now before you have the baby, rather than after! 

That or use some of the links or push the LL more. 

brianposter

It would seem sensible to discover what is causing the damp. Is it even the landlords problem ?

[Deleted User]

brianposter said:

It would seem sensible to discover what is causing the damp. Is it even the landlords problem ?

Yes it’s the landlord’s problem as damp walls that have lead to the peeling of wallpaper would indicate that the property does not meet the repairing standard or the tolerable standard, which are legal requirements, as set out by the Scottish government. 

letsbetfair

Agreed, it's the landlord's problem (I'm assuming @ochilmum hasn't got the type of unusual lifestyle that could cause this amount of damp even while running a dehumidifier!) The ultimate cause might be a problem in another flat, or something that all owners in the block need to be for, but from @ochilmum's point of view it's a problem for the landlord to fix.
@ochilmum another reason I'd move is that this kind of problem can be a pain to fix even if you're highly motivated to do so - I know homeowners who've struggled to find the cause of damp in the flat they live in. One advantage of renting is that you can move and leave someone else to deal with the problem of a damp flat!