Nc incase outing.
I'm about to move into a new private rental and have been getting the place ready painting and repairing walls etc as the previous tenants left it in a state. Housing is really competitive round here and we were homeless so it was priority to get somewhere sorted.
After I signed the contract and paid the deposit and rent the estate agent did mention that the landlord isn't the best with repairs but by that point I was obviously committed in. I know this landlord has multiple properties in the area and retained the previous tenants deposit due to the state of the place (but don't appear to have then used any of that to rectify).
I haven't really had to use the integrated fridge/ freezer yet but have been keeping milk in it for making a cuppa and noticed its been going out of date 3 days before the expiry date. The thermostat on the fridge seems to be broken and a fridge thermometer is confirming that it's not cold enough and the dial doesn't affect the temperature even when set to the coldest setting. I reported the repair but 2 working days later haven't had any communication about it. White goods are landlords responsibility per the contract provided I don't cause intentional damage.
I'm due to move in now with kids, everything else is ready and I really need a working fridge. Can anyone give a steer on how long I should give the landlord to provide a working fridge / repair this one. I can't really afford now to buy a replacement myself between doing the other work to the property, getting other furniture and obviously in the mouth of Christmas with kids to provide for. Plus with it being built in I'm not sure how that would work. If they don't provide one/respond then what is my next step? I'm in NI if that makes a difference legally.