To be so fed up of my rental right now

[reddingtn]

As in, I rent it, rather than me being the landlord.

I moved in 5 years ago, and the bathroom ceiling was brown and bowing then. They've only ever patched it up when it got 'bad' i.e. caving in from a leak above at the point of collapsing, and i've had numerous leaks into downstairs which again, only ever get patched up rather than actually fixed at source.

I have an inspection this week and my ceiling has just caved in AGAIN. Properly this time, massive hole I could climb through. I can't have a shower/bath and the timescale for repairs is vague at best. I've asked for the inspection to be rescheduled but have been ignored. It's a tiny flat, I WFH - now elsewhere - and I can't tidy up after the workmen in time for inspection day.

I'm probably being unreasonable but a bit of communication wouldn't go amiss and confirmation that a reschedule is fine. I'm just so fucking stressed.

See if ACORN has a branch where you are, and join. It's a renters union, and they're very helpful with stuff like this.

They don't seem to have a branch for my area I was trying to hold on and not 'make a fuss' until the no fault eviction new legislation kicks in but that may be delayed now

The point of the inspection is to see how the house is. If the ceiling fell in , I’d be more than happy for them to see how bad it was, how it affected me/the house, and to record it on the inspection records. It’s not your fault so it’s not something you need to try to hide.

I don't mind that part and sent them photos as well as getting in touch straight away, and said let yourself in. It's just a studio and every single time they send someone in to 'fix' things they throw my stuff everywhere to make room in the tiny - seriously tiny - space. Then I have to go back in, try and piece my belongings back together and have just been ignored about rescheduling.

I really empathise with you. I rent and fucking hate it. I find it hugely disempowering and infantalising. Never mind the horrible feeling I've failed as I rent (we owned and then circumstances meant we had to sell and then rent and now effectively trapped in the rental cycle). Combined with the fact it costs more to rent than own and the fittings in the the hose tend to be shit quality which just feeds into my own sense of low self worth.

Surely it’s in the landlord‘s best interest to maintain their property properly and they have insurance to cover these eventualities, obviously it’s too late for this one but I think if you were going to move next time I would ask to basically see the buildings insurance to reassure yourself that anything like this will get dealt with promptly. I can’t understand why it wouldn’t

I also hate renting and feel like a teenager. I'm 41 and we just got trapped in the cycle. I have seen slug trails in my house. No one knows what to do. Mould keeps appearing in the spare room and bathroom ceiling. I know some of it is not their fault and I would have to pay for this stuff to be sorted but I would love to buy this house and give it some tlc. Your situation sounds awful though OP. Hope it's sorted soon

Really sorry OP, such a horrible situation to be in. Have you tried contacting Citizens Advice or Justice for Tenants? I’ve used JfT before and found them very helpful - www.justicefortenants.org/contact-us/. Or you could contact Shelter? - england.shelter.org.uk/get_help.

Your landlord is legally required to maintain the property in a habitable state. Try reporting to local authority environmental health / private sector housing dept. They can take action to get work done if required. This should not affect your rights as a tenant.

@Sparklybutold I don't think you've failed. We're all so conditioned to think that getting on the property ladder is the be all and end all but my friends that own? They still deal with cowboys. They just have to pay for it and still deal with the hassle. It's these useless tradesmen. I try and remember the premium we pay for is that it's less hassle but it doesn't always feel that way

@teaandtoastwithmarmite I do agree with you and it annoys me that I have to just accept the work that is done. Last time the bathroom was completely revamped yet they left loads of things unfinished. Shower rail not put up (because of the bowed ceiling), mirror left down, towel rail... I felt bad chasing!!

@TimeFlysWhenYoureHavingRum they've always batted me away as saying its livable, and I guess it was, apart from when it all fell apart and... wasn't. More than once. But they wouldn't even accept that I needed to move out for the work being done. As if they would try and live/shower/sleep around this. It annoys me that they put the rent up in line with "market rent" yet don't even attempt to keep it in line with market rent standard.

I'm just so fed up.

Still nothing this morning. She starts at 8 so now my stress levels are through the roof. No communication is just not on.

Can’t you rent a room somewhere else? Imagine a nice big clean warm room for a fraction of the cost

I’d rather do that and put my name on the council list

How much is your rent? I take it you’ve looked elsewhere

There aren't any studios elsewhere 1 beds are a big leap

Honestly I would get environmental health out to have a look especially if you have pictures from before and communication about the ceiling issue

I would also be asking for temp accommodation as you are unable to use your bathroom and the ceiling could collapse further so may well be unsafe.

I've sent this. Rightly or wrongly.

I have left this for a day and a half from you being back at work, not to mention the fact that every single update has had to come from me chasing and phoning ** Absolutely no support has come from you proactively as the agents.

I do not give permission for you to enter my flat on Friday 30th September. I am disappointed at your lack of communication as I am unable to live there. I had to suddenly vacate while working nights, from home, as you are aware.

I have asked for the inspection to be rescheduled due to not being able to live there (yet again) where the bathroom ceiling has collapsed. In the circumstances this is a more than reasonable request as I have been inconvenienced and had to vacate the flat due to not being able to use the bathroom and fear of further collapses until repaired/replaced.

I propose the inspection is delayed for two weeks to enable the work to be completed and me to move back. There has been no communication from you or ** and I have had to handle all follow up myself.

This situation is stressful enough without you ignoring my request or answering my emails