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Original poster

Shitty housing situation, can anyone advise?

46 replies

GuinnessLover · 22/12/2022 13:01

Moved into what I thought was a great house just under 6 months ago. No end of problems, wood on door to back of house has swollen and I can't open it, which means walking my laundry round the front of the house to use the outside washer, and 4yo son can't play in the garden without going round the front so hardly goes out there. Lights flash on and off because of dodgy electrics. Guttering has fallen down, shower isn't working properly etc etc. Reported to landlord through agency (who have been great) but they're not responding, still hasn't been fixed. Agency can't fix without landlord permission.

They sent me a letter 3 months into my tenancy to say they were increasing my rent at the 6 month mark by 15%. I can't afford this so went back and asked if they could negotiate. No answer. Lettings agency said they advised against this but they are bound by their clients. Very apologetic.

Lettings agency have now found me a new house, which is beautiful, views over the city, 5 minute walk to the school I'm applying for for my son, and is within my budget. They're not even going to put it out to market as they say they feel a responsibility to rehouse me. It's a long term let and I can stay there as long as I like.

Only problem is they want to let it out from the 10th January. My rent runs from 16th so I've passed the deadline this month to give my notice, and I can't move out now until the 15th Feb. I can't pay bills and rent on two houses for a month because I just don't have the money. I don't want to let my dream rental go because of this.

The lettings agency phoned this morning and said that as soon as I move out they are cutting ties with my landlord because of how appallingly I've been treated. They will try and negotiate letting me move out early but they don't think the landlord will allow this.

Does anyone have any advice on how I manage this? Is there ANYTHING I can do? I don't think I can find the money and am panicking.

OP posts:
NameChagaiiiin · 22/12/2022 13:06

You need to check your tenancy for notice periods and reporting of issues.

Personally with a landlord that shoddy, I'd be packing my stuff and moving into my new place without a backwards glance.

CAB would be your place to go for official advice, and you can log issues with the landlord also with them.

Your deposit will I assume be in a DPS and you might lose that in lieu of the last months rent, but to be honest I'd probably take the hit to get out.

Original poster
GuinnessLover · 22/12/2022 13:09

NameChagaiiiin · 22/12/2022 13:06

You need to check your tenancy for notice periods and reporting of issues.

Personally with a landlord that shoddy, I'd be packing my stuff and moving into my new place without a backwards glance.

CAB would be your place to go for official advice, and you can log issues with the landlord also with them.

Your deposit will I assume be in a DPS and you might lose that in lieu of the last months rent, but to be honest I'd probably take the hit to get out.

I'm not sure I can afford to lose my deposit. It is nearly £1000. It's a lot of money for me.

I'm worried if I just move I will be taken to court.

OP posts:
BMW6 · 22/12/2022 13:13

Bank loan? Isn't there an organisation that lends on the basis of need, like a community bank? Am sure I saw a short TV programme about it some years ago.

underthemike · 22/12/2022 13:13

Get advice from shelter.

Don't lose the new house.

Take the financial hit if you have to, but I just don't think you should lose that new house

Giggorata · 22/12/2022 13:13

I'd just go, you need the better house urgently.

I’d take advice from CAB and Shelter, but I wouldn't pay the last month's rent - let him take it from the DPS, which I assume you would lose anyway, going by his lack of care towards you in your tenancy.

Original poster
GuinnessLover · 22/12/2022 13:16

Giggorata · 22/12/2022 13:13

I'd just go, you need the better house urgently.

I’d take advice from CAB and Shelter, but I wouldn't pay the last month's rent - let him take it from the DPS, which I assume you would lose anyway, going by his lack of care towards you in your tenancy.

I need the deposit back to pay for the deposit on the new place though. I'll look into a loan.

OP posts:
Yesthatismychildsigh · 22/12/2022 13:16

Just go, and tell the landlord you’ll report them to the Council as the house is dangerous if they chase you for the rent.

L1ttledrummergirl · 22/12/2022 13:16

Go. Pack your bags.

If the landlord tries to keep your deposit then despite this through the scheme. Use your correspondence with the agents as evidence.

Being rehoused is your priority here.

Yesthatismychildsigh · 22/12/2022 13:18

Or just say the electrics are dangerous and you can’t live there so you’ll HAVE to move out, and do report to the council. Didn’t you get an electric shock plugging something in?

Original poster
GuinnessLover · 22/12/2022 13:18

L1ttledrummergirl · 22/12/2022 13:16

Go. Pack your bags.

If the landlord tries to keep your deposit then despite this through the scheme. Use your correspondence with the agents as evidence.

Being rehoused is your priority here.

They have every right to keep my deposit though if I don't pay rent. I don't think the scheme will just let me have it back.

OP posts:
Name99 · 22/12/2022 13:19

GuinnessLover · 22/12/2022 13:16

I need the deposit back to pay for the deposit on the new place though. I'll look into a loan.

Show quote history

Using the previous deposit wouldn't work anyway, it is returned when the tenancy is finished and the new deposit needs to be put down before the new tenancy starts

Original poster
GuinnessLover · 22/12/2022 13:24

Name99 · 22/12/2022 13:19

Using the previous deposit wouldn't work anyway, it is returned when the tenancy is finished and the new deposit needs to be put down before the new tenancy starts

Show quote history

I was planning to use a credit card to pay it then pay my credit card off when I get it back. If there's a shortfall I will just pay that off monthly. I can't imagine him keeping the full £1000 deposit. I hope not anyway!

OP posts:
Setyoufree · 22/12/2022 13:30

Did the landlord provide you with gas and electrical safety check when you first moved in? I think they'll struggle to keep your deposit if they didn't (you'd need to check that though)

NameChagaiiiin · 22/12/2022 13:33

GuinnessLover · 22/12/2022 13:16

I need the deposit back to pay for the deposit on the new place though. I'll look into a loan.

Show quote history

OP, it takes weeks if not longer to release a deposit from DPS. You won't have it in time to pay for the new place if that's your plan. That's even IF your LL agrees to release it without deductions.

I've always worked on the basis that a deposit is just a house move expense and if you get anything back its a bonus. I'm not saying its right FWIW, but I don't think I've ever seen a full deposit refund despite being a very good tenant.

Maverickess · 22/12/2022 13:34

If you have the means to pay using a credit card then do it, and pay it off monthly.
I know it's a bloody big hit to take and you've done nothing wrong here, but unfortunately in order to get this new place it looks like that's what you need to do.
You can fight for your deposit back by laying out everything you have here, and talking about the safety aspect - the door that is an inconvenience now could turn into a dangerous issue if the other dangerous issue of the dodgy electrics causes a fire and you can't get out another way.
I don't know how much of a chance you would have of getting the deposit back if you move out and don't pay rent, but you've nothing to lose trying, and if the LL won't let you leave early or keeps the deposit then make sure you inconvenience them right back and report the house as unsafe anywhere you can.
Also as others have said, shelter or CAB.
But don't lose that new house!
Good luck.

Original poster
GuinnessLover · 22/12/2022 13:35

Setyoufree · 22/12/2022 13:30

Did the landlord provide you with gas and electrical safety check when you first moved in? I think they'll struggle to keep your deposit if they didn't (you'd need to check that though)

They did sadly!

OP posts:
Giggorata · 22/12/2022 13:39

Living in a house with a dangerous electrical system with a 4 year old child is probably the biggest issue here (I stopped myself from saying main)

Seriously, you would be within your rights to leave now, especially after that electric shock you just had… you might not like the idea but Children's Services might be able to help, since moving from a dangerous property is safeguarding your child.

BMW6 · 22/12/2022 13:56

Is it Credit Union that are ethical lenders?

Name99 · 22/12/2022 13:56

Is your bond registered in the official deposit scheme and if so have you got proof of this ?

Original poster
GuinnessLover · 22/12/2022 13:58

Name99 · 22/12/2022 13:56

Is your bond registered in the official deposit scheme and if so have you got proof of this ?

Yes it is thankfully.

OP posts:
Original poster
GuinnessLover · 22/12/2022 14:02

I've just spoken to an electrician (friend) who said due to the age of my house and the flashing on and off being in multiple rooms in my house it could be a dangerous issue and fire hazard. Could be something really simple and not dangerous at all but until an electrician looks at it we can't know. So angry my landlord doesn't care.

OP posts:
Original poster
GuinnessLover · 22/12/2022 14:13

I've just spoken to the out of hours electrician listed in my contract and he's said he's already spoken to my landlord, told him it's a potential fire hazard and the landlord has said tough he's not willing to spend any money on it. I am furious!!!!!!!!

OP posts:
TimBoothseyes · 22/12/2022 14:32

GuinnessLover · 22/12/2022 14:13

I've just spoken to the out of hours electrician listed in my contract and he's said he's already spoken to my landlord, told him it's a potential fire hazard and the landlord has said tough he's not willing to spend any money on it. I am furious!!!!!!!!

Get that in writing, email a copy to your LL and inform him that you will me moving out on the day the new property is available. Threaten him with the council (report him anyway), should he refuse to accept this as your period of notice. Then start packing.

TimBoothseyes · 22/12/2022 14:33

*me =be fat fingers on a touch screen.

Yesthatismychildsigh · 22/12/2022 14:36

TimBoothseyes · 22/12/2022 14:32

Get that in writing, email a copy to your LL and inform him that you will me moving out on the day the new property is available. Threaten him with the council (report him anyway), should he refuse to accept this as your period of notice. Then start packing.

Show quote history

This, and good luck for your new house.