Brown Stuff Hitting The Fan

lancsdave · 07-02-2007, 15:48

For those who saw my reporting of the boiler saga a few weeks ago here's the latest update. I have now reported the landlord to the HSE for failing to provide a gas safety certificate and I'm also waiting for Environmental Health to get back to me regarding our lack of heating and hot water.

It's absolutely scandalous that private tenants have hardly any rights in law. I threatened to withold the rent until they repair the boiler but was told Rent is nothing to do with repairs

Pretty sure that once they get the letter off the HSE I can expect a letter off the landlord informing me they won't be extending my tenancy beyond the current fixed term.

WillowTheWhisp · 07-02-2007, 17:22

Rent is nothing to do with repairs?

I think I'd be tempted to argue about that one and point out that by taking rent off you they have some responsibilities to you too.

carl hurles · 07-02-2007, 18:25

but takin the rent of them can resolve in them kickin you out so be carefull your best bet would be to move by askin the council for there top ten list of landlords numbers that way you kno your going to get a better landlord

WillowTheWhisp · 07-02-2007, 20:13

How easily can a landlord kick someone out?

carl hurles · 07-02-2007, 20:22

quite easily trust me i kno your better discusing it with the council or the citizons advice thats all we could do and just hope for the best good luck with it all tho

WillowTheWhisp · 07-02-2007, 21:03

I thought there were supposed to be laws to protect the tenant?

carl hurles · 07-02-2007, 21:16

all i can say is what is the law now?? thare arnt many ppl take note of the law

lancsdave · 07-02-2007, 22:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillowTheWhisp

I thought there were supposed to be laws to protect the tenant?

It's opened my eyes as to the lack of laws. To eveict you they have to go through a court process which can take up to 6 weeks which is about the only protection you have. There is no law which says they have to provide heating and hot water. If as in my case the boiler has broke down the law says that they should make good the repair in a reasonable period. Apart from a 12 hour period last Friday night my boiler hasn't worked for nearly 2 weeks. In the middle of winter I would suggest that is not reasonable but there's naff all I can do about it.

WillowTheWhisp · 07-02-2007, 22:19

I'd hate to be without heat and hot water this weather. It's terrible.

Mancie · 07-02-2007, 23:25

We are talking about a private tennat... if its the council then you have more rights..the "deregulation" brought in by the goverment in the 80's gave private landlords more rights of eviction..on the basis of creating an "active market"
the present goverment have done nothing to re-dress the balance.. shame on new labour.

Good luck with your fight lancsdave

WillowTheWhisp · 07-02-2007, 23:35

If there isn't a law that says a house should be fit for human habitation then there should be. I would think a house with no heat in this weather is unfit for human habitation. I hope you can get something done about it. Is there no written contract when you rent the property as to the reponsibilities of tenant and landlord?

accymel · 07-02-2007, 23:40

Yeah Mancie he's on about private tenancy. What makes me shocked is that all the laws on tenancies which was beleived to stop rouge landlords seems to not to apply to the worst sector of all - private landlords!!!! So much for the gov's interventions

If council tenant they class it as an emergency repair & wouldnt let lack of both heating & hot water for longer than a few days certainly without substitute or temporary measures in place while repairs was in action! This particular private landlord is taking rent money & running by sounds of it!!