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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

What do I do worth my landlord

21 replies

ohflipping · 22/07/2023 11:15

I live into a tiny studio flat in London.
I've had no issues since I moved in and take good care of the property.
The washing machine suddenly stopped working. I've checked everything, but no joy. I then texted the landlord and sent a video showing the issue, but it's been 48 hours and they haven't responded.

Please advise me on what to do to get the landlord to take action.
I can't live without a washer. I pay my rent regularly and on time. And for £1500 pcm, I feel that I shouldn't be going to the laundrette.
I don't like confrontation so this is making me anxious and uncomfortable.

Thanks.

OP posts:
QueenoftheNimbleFlyingCat · 22/07/2023 11:20

Can you call them? They may not have seen the text or forgot to respond? If they don't respond send an email stating that you have contacted them via text, call and now email on x date and you would like resolution by x date.

QueenoftheNimbleFlyingCat · 22/07/2023 11:21

You may have to use a launderette if you are desperate but asked to be reimbursed.

LakieLady · 22/07/2023 11:23

Tbh, 48 hours isn't that long to wait for a response to something that, while it's an inconvenience, isn't critical like a leak or not having power. Text again, and if you don't hear from them by, say, end of the day on Monday, ring them.

In the meantime, you can wash a few bits by hand, go to the launderette or ask a friend/family member if you can do your washing at theirs.

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 22/07/2023 11:26

could they be away? I’d call- if no response send a message asking if no response by Monday end of the day, are they are happy for you to call an engineer and deduct it from the rent?

CC4712 · 22/07/2023 11:27

Can you tell if the text/video has been viewed? Could they be away/abroad? Do you have another way to contact- email or is an estate agent involved? Why not just phone them?

DisquietintheRanks · 22/07/2023 11:29

Email, don't text. And accept its likely to take a week or two to get this sorted. The downside of dealing with a landlord direct rather than an agent is that they go on holiday/get sick/miss texts

fluffi · 22/07/2023 11:30

Call them and email. If you’ve only sent a text they probably don’t think it’s that urgent

Ginmonkeyagain · 22/07/2023 11:32

You have reported it - give them time to respond.

We own our flat and when our washing machine broke earlier this year we were without one for three weeks due to availability issues for a new washer and some emergency plumbing work thay was needed related to the breakdown that needed to happen first (issues with the drain).

It wad annoying but not the end of the world.

caringcarer · 22/07/2023 11:36

I'm a LL and when I go on holiday I leave tenants my son's number. If he got a text that the washing was not working he'd ring the tenant and pop over to see it and if not working remove it and pop to Curry's and get another one and fix it later this afternoon. If you're a LL and you might not be there to do it yourself you need to have back up as it's a LL responsibility to get it fixed or replaced. It should be sorted by the end of the weekend OP. LL all get a bad name because a few won't stick to their responsibility. It makes me fume.

CC4712 · 22/07/2023 11:38

I assume you have turned it off and back on? Emptied the little exit hole thing at bottom (no idea what its called, but usually there is a flap you open, then you unscrew a part. Manky water comes out and occasionally a coin or a bra wire!) Check on youtube if there are any common issues/fixes with that model. Check a bra wire isn't jammed inside the machine in one of the holes too.

CSIblonde · 22/07/2023 11:49

Email them. For big item replacements i usually sent them a link to a couple of next day delivery similar models , so they can see the going rate & to speed things: up as most don't want the hassle of searching a new one out. ( Worked in Lettings so know landlord mentality). You're paying a lot for a studio. You can get a really nice 1 bed for that in Stamford Hill , which is safe & close to central London/25 mins to Liverpool St station.

Original poster
ohflipping · 22/07/2023 11:51

Thank you for all the advice. All very useful. I hand-washed some bits this morning. All my natural nails chipped away, so not sure I can do it long-term. I'll look up a laundrette for the bedsheets and other clothings.

It's a private landlord, so WhatsApp has been our primary channel of communication. I can give them till Monday and then send a polite reminder along with an email asking if they wanted me to find someone to repair it. If I have an ultimatum, I hope they won't find it offensive?

It's an old Zanussi washer by the looks of it. There's no small drain/outlet in front or at the bottom. I've looked severally. The issue is when I start the cycle, it goes straight to 'End' within a minute. I've spent hours researching and watching videos and from what I've found, I think it could be the circuit board that's gone out, in which I'd much rather the landlord handles it as I'm not knowledgeable about these things and I won't want an engineer taking advantage of my ignorance.

OP posts:
Needanewnamebeingwatched · 22/07/2023 11:53

Just give them a quick call and speak to them.

Original poster
ohflipping · 22/07/2023 11:55

Apologies for the typos. I've just been anxious over this.

OP posts:
Ihateslugs · 22/07/2023 11:56

ohflipping · 22/07/2023 11:51

Thank you for all the advice. All very useful. I hand-washed some bits this morning. All my natural nails chipped away, so not sure I can do it long-term. I'll look up a laundrette for the bedsheets and other clothings.

It's a private landlord, so WhatsApp has been our primary channel of communication. I can give them till Monday and then send a polite reminder along with an email asking if they wanted me to find someone to repair it. If I have an ultimatum, I hope they won't find it offensive?

It's an old Zanussi washer by the looks of it. There's no small drain/outlet in front or at the bottom. I've looked severally. The issue is when I start the cycle, it goes straight to 'End' within a minute. I've spent hours researching and watching videos and from what I've found, I think it could be the circuit board that's gone out, in which I'd much rather the landlord handles it as I'm not knowledgeable about these things and I won't want an engineer taking advantage of my ignorance.

Try wearing rubber gloves when hand washing, it will protect your hands and nails.

Original poster
ohflipping · 22/07/2023 12:10

Needanewnamebeingwatched · 22/07/2023 11:53

Just give them a quick call and speak to them.

They never picks calls. I realised that's their principle when I moved in months ago. And not responding to texts is also habitual. And I don't want to ridicule myself by hounding them for a washer. I'm really a responsible adult, but machines are not my forte.

OP posts:
Ginmonkeyagain · 22/07/2023 12:10

Absolutely - wear rubber gloves when hand washing clothes!

I would give your landlord until Monday and then chase them.

Lovepeaceunderstanding · 22/07/2023 12:12

Ask the agent who introduced you to them to contact them.

Original poster
ohflipping · 16/09/2023 15:26

Just wanted to give an update that I still don't have a washing machine. It's been almost 2 months. I now no longer care for one quite frankly.

OP posts:
LaurieFairyCake · 16/09/2023 15:47

Why don't you mind now?

homealonenow · 16/09/2023 16:14

LaurieFairyCake · 16/09/2023 15:47

Why don't you mind now?

I've now adapted to not having a washing machine. I now only wash once a fortnight now; only the bedsheets at the laundrette.

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