Should landlord replace boiler?

[cashmere]

Our boiler has just stopped working for the 9th time since we have lived in this house (10 months). At what stage do you think it would be reasonable to just replace it?!
AIBU to think if it breaks again they should install a new one?
(2 year old and 2 month old in house- rent is not cheap for area)

I have had this problem too. Boiler packed in seven times in about three weeks when I first moved in and has, just recently, packed in three times in the last two weeks. Have had to take numerous days off work to let the plumber in to fix it.

Every plumber that has been says the boiler is on it's last legs. It's 18 years old and makes a rumbling noise all of the time, which wouldn't be too bad except it's in my son's bedroom.

My landlord doesn't do anything maintenance wise to the house at all. Been there three years now. I don't think he views it as a business arrangement. I've had two ceilings fall in from water leaks, black mould in the bathroom (window is painted shut!), no working light fitting in the sitting room for two years. It goes on and on. I can't move at the moment as I have no money for a deposit, agency fees, moving costs. So I'm stuck here.

So, I feel your pain. However they are not forced to replace the boiler unless it's condemned. He/She/They will just keep having it fixed until it breaks down permanently.

Hmm wonder if there's any way to make it break down then!!
It just seems like a waste of money to keep fixing it to me as it's different parts each time (I know boilers are expensive but so are repeated plumber call outs!)

I think it would be fair to raise the possibility of a rent reduction for the times when it breaks?

You're paying for a home with a working boiler. Naturally, accidents happen and it might break down. But if this is turning into a regular occurance, that's not on. I'd put in writing the number of days you've been without hot water/waiting in for someone to come and fix it.

I don't know how far you'd feel able to push it, but it's always worth trying an appeal to reason, as lots of LL are quite reasonable once they realize what's going on.

Yes, the probably should, but they don't have to unless it's dangerous. Their only responsibility is to make sure you have adequate heating and hot water - if that comes from a crappy old boiler that keeps breaking down, then that's that.

Have you got a gas safety certificate? Do you know that the boiler is safe?

Well we don't have adequate heating or hot water now till sometime tomorrow between 8 and 5. It's due to snow. We have one oil filled radiator.
We do have 3 monthly inspections and fussy landlords who want their hedges clipping to their satisfaction and to ensure we remove weeds from the garden path.
The house was empty for at least 3 months before we moved in (I know they refused a reduced rent offer given 3 months before we moved in). They 'lost' more than £2000 in this time so you'd think they'd want to keep tenants in.

Rant rant rant!

Try Shelter or CAB.

They are not entitled to keep cutting of your heating/hot water. If they choose to rent you a place where the boiler keeps failing, that's their problem.

try the environmental health team of your council.

shelter also good.

I take it you have lots of emails/letters to back your story up?

They let through an agency so it's calls to them and the odd email.

Hugelaurie

Please call the council.

Your Landlord HAS to maintain the property.

It is in every AST tenancy agreement.

Report him. They will contact him and discuss the problems that need to be taken care of.