AIBU to expect a rent reduction with natural late being blocked

[PawsAndReflection]

(On behalf of a friend!)

Friends have a two bed flat they’re renting in London and the building (all owned by the landlord) is having work done which includes scaffolding front and back, blocking all natural light.

I can see there’s legislation for home owners but not for renters, is there anything they can do? The scaffolding has already been up 5 weeks longer than promised.

I assume this is for essential maintenance. Scaffolding isn't cheap so I doubt the landlord s doing it for shits and giggles. Would they rather have water pouring through the roof?

It’s for painting and decorating, no repairs

I very much doubt there'd be a rent reduction because the landlord is doing building work - it's probably essential work to keep the building in good shape.

Why don't they read their contract?

No-one's going to reduce their rent because some scaffolding is temporarily blocking the light.

Scaffolding companies take the piss in my area leaving it on one house until it's needed on another sometimes it is days other times it is weeks my neighbours had a new roof finished Tuesday guess what's still up? The Scaffolding!

Saying that they are often NOT the same company doing the work so my question would be...is the work actually finished

No rent reduction for scaffolding, I’m afraid.

The only time we had a rent reduction was when we had a water leak and then had to have a de-humidifier on 24/7 for a week and then builders coming in to replace the kitchen floorboards. And the landlord sent us a large pack of bath towels as we were having to mop up the leak.

Painting is maintenance.

I wouldn’t even embarrass myself asking

I would very much doubt it. The scaffolding is there for the upkeep of the building they live in.

No - external decorating is deemed essential maintenance as it is part and parcel of keeping the building in good order and waterproof

It’s hard to imagine how scaffolding blocks light so badly. Is it shrouded for safety reasons!

I know someone in local authority housing. Maintenance is ongoing and her block of flats has been covered in scaffolding for months. Her place is not dark. It’s a tad more shady but she doesn’t have to keep lights on or anything.

My house was scaffolded last year for weeks. It didn’t make my house dark.

Tell friend to phone scaffolders direct. There’s probably a notice board hanging off a pole somewhere with their contact details on it.
Ask what their plan is or obstructions stopping the dismantling? Ring every week to press for action.

Thanks everyone- really helpful and passed that on!