Giving notice issues with rental property

[Lkayte]

Hi,

I’m not sure what to do so looking for advice. I’m privately renting, it’s just me and my daughter here. There’s a few issues and things that I’m not happy with one being we don’t have any gas to the property so no heating and hot water and it’s proving a nightmare to get the gas activated which isn’t ideal with it coming up to colder months. electrician was meant to be coming back out to fit my smoke alarms which never happened so my dad had to do it. So we moved in without smoke alarms and I was told they would be fitted as soon I moved in, which is a legal requirement. Never hear back from Landlords contractors among other issues. I have to give 2 months notice so that would have to be done in October to move out in December as I signed for six months initially.

Would you give notice without having found another property to move into? I’ve no idea if I will find another one in those two months is my issue

I’m absolutely agog that you don’t have any means of heating or hot water. That is illegal. Call environmental health at the council and they will advise you. Absolutely shocking of your landlord, no heating/hot water should be treated as an emergency! Are you washing in cold water?

Speak to the Shelter charity about the lack of heating.

Can’t you start looking for a new property now before you hand your notice in?

It’s just awful! I have to boil the kettle to do the pots as there’s no dish washer but luckily the shower is electric so that’s warm. But I can’t run a proper bath for my daughter and I can already tell it will be freezing in the house if it doesn’t get sorted soon, as it’s old house and very drafty

I’ve been looking at properties to rent but they all say they are available to move into now or this month. If I moved out before my tenancy is up I think I would still be liable for the rent? So I’m not sure how to do it!

Phone the environmental health department at your council. They have the power to get the landlord to do the work or fine him/her if they don't do it.

Take a deep breath

What's the rent like for the size/area? If it was all up & running would you be happy there?

You might be better to put your energy into getting this sorted rather than moving if the place/location are good & the rent is reasonable.

If you don't want to live there & are going to move, when to give notice just depends on personal circumstances. Can you move in with your Dad if you don't find somewhere else by the time you need to leave?