In wanting a rent reduction?

[oxcat1]

I privately rent a 1-bedroom flat in a super-expensive part of the country, paying £950 pcm. My flat is a basement, although I do have a small patio garden at the back. This always receives limited light due to the tall buildings that surround me, which block most direct light.

However, yesterday they installed scaffolding on the front of the property, and today they have spent the day passing through my property to install scaffolding on the back. They've done 1 days and they say there will be another couple to go: they have only got 1 level erected and they will need 4. Photo attached but apparently it will only get darker.

AIBU in thinking that I should be owed some level of rent reduction for this? I pay for a property with a garden, but now will have no access to the garden for the next 2-3 months (minimum).

The contractors will be taking off all the render and replastering & painting the building. They have therefore suggested I should seal off my windows and doors at the back, to protect against the dust. This will hugely restrict light, which is limited anyway due to being a basement.

I have also had contractors walking through my house throughout the day, with no warning. I could have refused them access, but only for 24 hours so I saw no point, but I didn't expect multiple days of being used as a thorough-fare.

I don't believe I should be paying the full rent as I do not have the full property I pay for. Is there any truth in this, and if so, how would I Word it to the agent?

While you are talking to the agents, find out what is going to happen to your deposit - you don't want it stopped because of the builders tramping dirt through your flat and because of all the dust.
The landlord may get awkward - they won't be able to re-let the flat with the scaffolding up and no light. You leaving is bad news for them so I wouldn't be surprised if they don't want to give anything.

I did say that the scaffolders couldn't come back tomorrow. They didn't ask - they just yelled same time tomorrow as they were leaving. I have to be out of the house for most of tomorrow for a hospital appointment so I just refused as I really can't keep my belongings, my property - or my two cats - safe when they are traipsing in and out.

Some really good points, thank you. I hadn't thought about the potential mess on my deposit being returned.

I want to send a stern email, but I don't know how to word it? When the scaffolders banged on the door, I let them in, so I guess they can say that I granted permission? However, the last email from the agency is 22 Jan, after I queried it, when they said the following:

"We have emailed the contractor asking for an update on when your window will be attended to [broken since October] and when the external works are starting. Apologies that you have not heard anything about this. We will update you once we have a response."

Thank you so much to all of you. I emailed suggested a reduction of £300 - £100 per week for each of the remaining three weeks of my tenancy. I pitched high, expecting to have to argue, but it was accepted without a quibble, and accompanied by an apology! I am so grateful, and would not have asked without your moral support! Thank you!

Good for you op!😀nice to have a positive result!

That's verging on needing to give you alternative accommodation in my book (a landlord) so I think they got off lightly.