Advice for new rental with issues

AmyTa

Hi everyone, I was wondering if I could get dome advice, I'm a little out of my depth and pretty stressed out right now.

I had to move in duress at the start on August, and I went into a single occupancy flat rental.

All seemed fine, except there are little frustrations that I've raised to agents, who have been super helpful and told me to use google.

1. Bin collections. Firstly the bins haven't been collected since i moved in 4 weeks ago. The flats have 2 dark bins with keys, and they're not disappearing. I'm concerned that one of the flats is outting non recyclables in the green bin now. We have one brown one too, but because we are central, passerbys have filled it with bottles and cans to the very top. I'm so frustrated that I want to take my rubbish out. But as I've also just moved I have so many boxes around. 

2. Thermostat. It has a mind of its own, and it's also located super high just off the ceiling so I can barely read it. However I noticed by week 3 that it was programmed on from 3am to 7am. I found a switch, but it just skips for that period and goes on again the following night. I can't get a serial number or anything for it to find the make. 

3. Water too hot. I asked the agents for the make of the boiler so I can look up how to adjust, as the water is like lava. They basically told me to go do one.

Id be so grateful is someone has advice for the above. I'm used to houseshares and leaving things alone, but now I'm on my own and already really low mood.

I gotten up at this time to switch the thermostat off. 

anselld

1.  Speak to the waste team at the Council or look at their info online.  They should be able to tell you what day collections are.  Speak to other flat residents, they must know the system.

2.  Post photo.  From the description the thing high on the wall sounds like a timeswitch not a thermostat as it deals with time not temperature.  None the less you will need to figure out before winter as 3-7 am will not be sufficient when it gets cold.  Meantime can you not just turn off the radiators at the valves.

3.  Post photo.  The model number is often on the bottom of the boiler looking up.  Does it not have any controls on the front?  Not all boilers have adjustment for water temperature, the idea is you mix hot and cold to your preference in the basin/sink/bath rather than just stick your hand under the hot tap.

macman

Your LL/LA has no responsibility for the emptying of the bins, it's down to the local authority. 

AdrianC

What are the heaters? It may be that they are storage heaters, hence 3-7am heating period. Are you on an Economy 7 tariff with cheaper overnight electricity?

theartfullodger

Write/email to Landlord, copy agent, keep copy a calm & polite letter about all issues.  Use draft letter on Shelter's website for reporting repairs.

Then follow further advice in shelter website.

canaldumidi

As above, rubbish is up to the council. Their website will probably tell you when collections are for your street. If tere's an issue with them not collecting because other flat owners are putting recycling in the wrong bins (yes, councils increasingly monitor this) then ask the council to write to flat owners.

Re the heating /hot water, it's impossible to advise without more info:

What system do you have? Gas boiler? Oil? All electric? Night storage heaters? Is there a hot water cylinder? With/without an immersion heater?

Clarify the controls. Is the 'thermostat' really a thermostat or a heating control (with time slots etc). Get a ladder and find manufacturer name (sometimes they have a hinged door with additional controls/name inside). Are there other controls elsewhere? Are there radiators? With/without thermostats? Take photos for us.

Once you give us more info I'm sure someone here can help.