To think what can we do? Being a tenant really is awful sometimes

[hannakens]

Found new property to
Rent on open rent. Landlord seemed a nice guy and professional.

Moved in one month ago and have had nothing but problems, and dangerous ones at that.

No hot water for the first week and a half as the boiler didn't work. When the plumber came out he said the lead was antiquated and needing replacing.

Then there was a leak from the boiler through the ceiling as it was being replaced. This went through a light socket which was dangerous in my opinion. The electrician was there at the time and advised us to let
It dry out for 24 hours and it would be fine.

I was worried about this and wanted to make sure the smoke alarm was in working order. Turns out there wasn't one! I told him and he immediately responded saying he was aware of how important this was and it would be done by the end of the week and it was on his list it was done in the next couple of days.

Then another leak in the bathroom going down through the ceiling through the kitchen again near a light again he got a plumber out ASAP and got it fixed.

He then contacted me to say that he wanted an electrician to come out and check all the electrics. I said of course and luckily the electrician didn't sugarcoat things and said this all needs replacing it's not up to regulation. I immediately started panicking and he said not to worry it was safe, but it was old and not up to regulation for a rental property so would need replacing.

Now obviously the landlord suspected this and that is why he had the electrician out to check. And I don't doubt he will get it all done but in the meantime I am furious. He has broken the law and put our safety at risk. Less importantly we are being constantly inconvenienced and having to take time
Off for workmen. I don't think he knew about these problems, I think he's just made an error and is trying to get it all sorted but it's not good enough. It's his responsibility as a landlord.

We have no where else to go. And we like the place and the area but I am so angry that we are paying full rent while having all these problems. We don't even really want to move but I am so angry at this. What would you do?! Not much I can do is there?

The landlord is getting all the issues sorted although it's unfortunate so much needs doing. Can you arrange for the workmen to be given a key so they can work without you? The landlord should be able to sort this out

It sounds like your having a crap and stressy time to be fair but even if you weren't a tenant and you owned your home, you'd still have to rectify the problems (and pay for them).

Hope things improve soon.

Wiring may need upgrading but not being up to current regulations does not make it dangerous. It sounds as if it is in hand but will be inconvenient to sort. Maybe your ll would agree a discount for the affected period but do not withhold rent.

calm down, your landlord seems to be dealing with everything. Whether you move into a rental or a home you've bought you will always encounter problems. If you dont want to take time off, would you let the landlord in to let in the workmen?

Wonder if you can get any rent off for the bloody inconvenience and having to take time off work.

It sounds like your landlord is doing everything within his power to get the issues sorted, and you have communication with him which is great!

Really annoying and frustrating for you as a tenant, but your landlord will be stressed too - it sounds like a lot of work which will mean £££ for him.

Hopefully it'll all be sorted soon. As you say, you love the area and the place otherwise.

But you shouldn't be taking time off work for the workmen - the maintenance of the property is your landlord's responsibility, he should be overseeing what's going on and letting them in (with your permission and knowledge as a courtesy).

Tell your landlord you appreciate all the help, but sadly you're unable to take any more time off work to accommodate the workmen and ask him what he can do.

your LL is sorting out the problems pretty quickly, and looking on the plus side if you owned the property (ie didnt rent) you would have to paid a load of money to cover the costs involved

Contact Shelter for advice!

england.shelter.org.uk/get_help

I own my home and I certainly sought a second opinion when I had an electrician come out and tell me the whole place needed rewiring - and the second electrician didn’t think so. So it doesn’t necessarily mean your wiring is unsafe or your landlord knew it was dangerous.

In terms of time off, inconvenience and so on - you’d have the same if you were a homeowner or a social tenant. It was an unforseeable accident that your landlord is trying to sort. It’s a pain in the ass but just one of the things life throws at you sometimes. Sympathy though that it’s just before Christmas and only adding to pressure.

I think you have a great LL tbh. They are addressing the issues. What more can you ask for?

Also, its common for leaks from upstairs to exit through light fittings as they go to the nearest hole. Ive had at least 4 bathroom leaks in my owned property, and have absolutely left the light to dry out for a day or two. Again, it's normal. You didn't need to do anything else.

A good LL would have completed all the checks before renting out a property. Electric safety check is approx less than £200. Fire alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and gas safety checks should be provided. Deposit protection scheme, a signed contract. If the LL doesn't live in the property they should be declaring the income and paying tax. However, I'm going to add that as a tenant, you are also responsible to check what standard of place that you are renting before you move in ! The LL is also liable for certain repairs.

This would worry me too. He is clearly a con man. I'd get out asap.

I never understand people saying 'if you owned you'd have to have it done anyway'. The point is that if you rent, part of what you pay for is a home where you're not taking risks. No smoke alarms? Really? He's not honest.

(And I agree with Magic, that you seem very naive not to have noticed/checked some of the basics! I hope your deposit is protected.)

A good LL would have completed all the checks before renting out a property

This is what I thought too.

But at least he is dealing with them now. I agree there should be something taken off the rent for the inconvenience.

Yes, 'at least' he's dealing with them.

Do people realise he's broken the law here?

www.gov.uk/government/publications/smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-alarms-explanatory-booklet-for-landlords/the-smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-alarm-england-regulations-2015-qa-booklet-for-the-private-rented-sector-landlords-and-tenants

It's been law for several years. You're not allowed to say 'oops, I was planning to fit a smoke alarm and forgot'.

This man is a crook. He may seem dead nice and all, and very good at saying he's terribly sorry and it's on his list, but I would bet he knows precisely what the situation is.

Legally they only need the gas safety check from your list mag1c.

(Along with the deposit protection and tenancy agreement)

No, they don't thismust. Read my link too.