Worn out DG hinges draft

FlaatusGoat

The property I'm renting has pretty drafty windows. They're double glazed. The hinges are gone. The agent doesn't come good on their property maintenance promises, so are there any cheap quick fixes I can do?

flashg67

can you add some of the foam adhesive strip type insulation in the gaps ?

FreeBear

Write to the landlord (not the agent) and ask/insist that they make an adequate repair.

Depending on the age of the windows, replacement hinges might no be available. Shouldn't be an issue for modern uPVC ones.

FlaatusGoat

FreeBear said:

Write to the landlord (not the agent) and ask/insist that they make an adequate repair.

Depending on the age of the windows, replacement hinges might no be available. Shouldn't be an issue for modern uPVC ones.

It's fully managed or the LL are overseas. On my tenancy agreement only the agent are mentioned. If I ask I'll just get ignored. I've already mentioned the broken back gate and I got ignored

FlaatusGoat

flashg67 said:

can you add some of the foam adhesive strip type insulation in the gaps ?

I've tried that and it's messy, doesn't work. Only other thing would be ugly but I could shim the gaps with old fabric, close the window with it stuffed in there

FreeBear

FlaatusGoat said:

FreeBear said:

Write to the landlord (not the agent) and ask/insist that they make an adequate repair.

Depending on the age of the windows, replacement hinges might no be available. Shouldn't be an issue for modern uPVC ones.

It's fully managed or the LL are overseas. On my tenancy agreement only the agent are mentioned. If I ask I'll just get ignored. I've already mentioned the broken back gate and I got ignored

Put it in writing and give them a deadline to respond. Keep a copy, and note the date it was sent - The Post Office can give you proof of postage if asked. A paper trail is handy if a dispute arises.

If the repair is not undertaken within a reasonable time frame, contact your local council (environmental health ?).

Duct tape is good for sealing draughts temporarily, not pretty, and it can leave a residue if left for a long period.

Alderbank

Your landlord's name and address will be on your tenancy agreement or your rent book. Ask your letting agent for your landlord’s details if you can’t find them - they have to give you the details.

If your letting agent doesn’t respond to your written complaint within 8 weeks or they don’t solve your problem, you can complain to their independent complaints body.

The complaints body is a service that helps you fix problems you have with your letting agent. It’s also called a ‘redress scheme’.

Your letting agent has to be a member of one of:

The Property Ombudsman https://www.tpos.co.uk/find-a-member

Property Redress Scheme https://www.theprs.co.uk/Complain

You could try your Council's Occupational Health team as suggested, but they really only deal with significant risks to health such as an outbreak of vermin or black mould. They may not be too concerned about a draught from an opening window.

However are these windows upstairs windows? Do you have small children? First floor windows which can easily be opened by a child certainly are a safety risk and you should get a response if you need to report those.