quick question about a landlords responsibility

jo1980_2

hi, we have been renting a house for the last 6 months the problem is the windows won't open!
yeah sounds daft i know but they are old wooden style single glazed things that the previous tennants have glossed over and are firmly stuck. and they are pretty rotten so im scared if i force it the whole lot would fall out!
our landlords have been very reluctant to do anything at all to the property.
so we kind of just accepted it until yesterday when my partner had a small kitchen fire
with my 14 month old daughter asleep upstairs and unable to open any windows she tried to force the bedroom window and it broke.
so i spoke to the landlords to sort the windows out, as had the fire been more serious and they were trapped upstairs no window upstairs open.
their attitude was couldn't give a toss not their problem.
So do they have a legal responsibility to fix the windows?
and what should we do about it?
thanks

clutton_2

yes they do have legal responsibility to ensure you have safe exits from the property in case of fire.

TJ27

Regarding means of escape, unless the windows have been specified as being escape windows they don't form part of the escape route. So there's probably nothing you can do in that respect.

Council officers used to be able to issue notices requiring adequate ventillation, which generally meant openable windows. Since the advent of the HHSRS it is is now almost impossible to do so.

If it's dangerous though, you might have some luck. Phone the council and ask them to send somebody out to have a look.

carpmaster

Get a few quotes for sorting out the damaged window and send a letter to the landlord with these enclosed. Tell them that if they don't sort it out you will go ahead with the repairs and deduct the cost from the rent.

Gorgeous_George

Speak to shelter. crapmaster's solution is confrontational and generally risky.

I'd move because your LL is a muppet.

GG