AIBU or is Landlord?

[Fabpinky]

I rent a flat/maisonette with a loft conversion which has Velux windows. One started to leak a few months ago. Landlord had someone come out and order a new part to fix the leak (not yet fixed)

Landlord informs me that once the leak is fixed that the window may not be useable. He said using it may cause it to break again but he won’t know until it’s fixed so will have to wait and see.

AIBU to argue with the Landlord that the window needs to be useable? It’s in a small room that is used as a bedroom. There are 2 windows granted, but can my landlord tell me I can’t open the window?

He said he doesn’t want to replace it as it will cost £700. He also mentioned the windows are already 20 years old!

Check with Shelter- they are a U.K. charity that know all the laws landlords and tenants have to follow. But I do believe a non opening window in a loft room is a fire hazard. I think there has to be an escape route ....as in a working window.

Is it the only window in the room? I'd be concerned about exits/fire safety if it was. And so should your landlord be.

No there are 2 and it’s just 1 that may not be able to be used

If it is just 1 of 2 windows, he may be able to get away with it. But I’d contact Shelter and see what they say.

You have to be careful to pick your battles too because section 21 can be used to revenge evict you if LL thinks you’re being too demanding.

YABU - open the other window

As long as you have one useable window I think YABU

Unless it is a fire exit, and as there's a second functioning one it probably is not, yabu.

OK. Send your landlord an email confirning that and adding that not being able to properly ventilate the property will increase the likelihood of condensation and mould. Ask him what his solution to that will be.

Give him an additional problem - redecorating over mould will cost him far more than £700.00.

But please don't talk about legal requirements for opening windows and fire escapes in loft conversions - not without having a proper look at the legislation, CAB etc will be able to help you there.

I wouldn't have an issue as there are two windows.

YANBU - yet another landlord cutting corners. Of course the window should continue to be useable. They sound crap.

It just doesn’t seem very fair to go from having 2 working windows for 5 years down to 1 because he doesn’t want to pay out. Not like I moved into to the flat and it was unusable