What are our rights being a tenant???

ah_heng

I have reported a washing machine and the water shower problem to the estate agent managing our flat since 1st of April. But until today and after various emails and calls, they have yet to fix the water shower. However the washing machine is fixed a week ago.

Can I ask any expert here whether if I could withold the rent for the coming month and give them an ultimatum of fixing the problem, or else I will get someone to fix it and charge it back (thru rent deduction).

Apart from that, can we as a tenant complaint to anyone if we found that the agent is being unreasonable and rude? In their last few emails, they stated like asking us to move if we don't like, despite us being a prompt paying rent and never contacted the agent for the past 14 mths!!!

Thanks.

MissMoneypenny

ah_heng wrote: »

In their last few emails, they stated like asking us to move if we don't like, despite us being a prompt paying rent and never contacted the agent for the past 14 mths!!!

If it were me I would report them to the local council's private housing/Environmental Health who can place an order on the LL to do all the repairs. Then I would move, giving them the 1 month notice, and tell any prospective tenants looking round, why I was moving. I wouldn't willingly pay any more money to that type of LL.

I would then find a house where the LL is renting out their own home, that they have lived in. There are quite a few of these types of lets on the market. It will be in better condition than most BTLs. They also might have a lower LTV, so will not be desperate to get the top rate rent.

When out the old property, I would put the LLs name of the bad landlords sites and make sure the tax office and their lender knew the old LL was renting out the property just in case they forgot to tell these parties.

tbs624

Are these the only repairs issues you have had in fourteen months? You say that they have fixed the washing machine, so now it’s just the shower that needs fixing? You need to decide whether, if the shower gets fixed pronto, you are otherwise happy to continue your tenancy.

There is a legal obligation for LAs/LLs to maintain and keep in good repair things like water supplies, sanitation, heating etc and if you had a working shower at the start of your tenancy you are clearly entitled to one now. Write to the LA, re-stating when the shower stopped working, when you have emailed, phoned (and who you spoke to) and say that you would like them to have it fixed within the next 3 working days. Tell them that if they are not willing to arrange this, you will then get three quotes for the work to be done.Keep copies of letters sent and received.

There is no excuse for LL/LAs being rude to tenants (or vice versa). If the LA is a member of ARLA you can complain about their conduct. If you also have the LLs name and address you could let him/her know what is happening.

Don't withhold your rent without getting legal advice first because that places you in breach. If you need help with the letter or any other part of this problem see the Private Tenancy Relations Officer at the local Council’s Housing Office: they are there to help resolve these matters and it won't cost you anything to use them.

ah_heng

Moneypenny & tbs,

Many thanks for your advices. Will consider talking to the local council and see what advice can they give.

In short, the water shower is a vital part of the property and without it, we have to endure showering by boiling water on kettle and mixing it on a pale.... What a pathetic way to enjoy shower

I am keen to find out any website that we can list down all these irresponsible agents...

Thanks.