I have copied and pasted from a Shelter brochure england.shelter.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/23392/Shelter_guide_repairs.pdf
Beckyseedee- Assuming LAdy evenstar is on a an ASssured SHorthold Tenancy, The landlord can evict with 2 months notice as long as the tenant isn't still within a 6 month/12 months contract. There does not have to be a reason:
"Assured shorthold tenants, licensees and people with other agreements not listed above usually have less protection. Usually the landlord can make you leave by following the correct procedure. You may be evicted if you complain about disrepair. Think carefully, and do not take action until you are sure that you will be able to find somewhere else.
Not all landlords will try to evict you, even if they can. Generally, councils and housing associations will not take disrepair into account when deciding whether to evict, but there is more risk with private landlords.
Some landlords might try to evict without following the correct procedure, or make life difficult for you (eg changing the locks while you are out, or leaving repairs unfinished). This may be illegal eviction or harassment, which are criminal offences. You should contact your council?s tenancy relations officer or housing advice team.
Get advice (eg from a Housing Aid Centre or Citizens Advice bureau) if you are not sure what your rights are, or what you should do."
It is not correct that you should with hold rent. You only have to hold 2 motnhs and the landlord can take steps to evict you:
"Withholding rent
Even where there is disrepair, you do not have the right to withhold (stop paying) rent. If you do, the landlord might try to evict you. The exception is where you have paid for the works yourself (see Tenants doing repairs page 16).
If you do stop paying rent, keep the rent money in a separate bank
16
account so you can pay off the arrears immediately if you have to."
You can call environmental health if the landlord refuses to do the repairs they will come and inspect your property and ask that your landlord does the necessary repairs.The landlord can not with hold repair work on the basis that you may not sign another tenancy- he has an obligation to make sure the property is in a fit condition. However damp can be a bit of a grey area:.
"What about dampness?
It can be difficult to sort out problems with damp, because it is often hard to find the cause. Your landlord is probably responsible for repairs if the dampness is the result of disrepair (eg leaking pipes, leaking roof or a failing damp proof course). Your landlord is probably not responsible if the building simply does not comply with modern building practices (eg no damp proof course installed) or if dampness has occurred as a result of your use of the home (eg drying clothes indoors or blocking heating vents). However, your landlord may have to take action if the council sees it as a hazard"
Make sure you report the issues to the Landlord in writing:
"Reporting repair problems
You must always report a problem to your landlord, even if the problem is minor and you are not that bothered about getting it fixed, and even if you do not know the cause (unless the problem is really trivial or something that is part of your maintenance). Do not wait, as the repairs could end up costing your landlord more, and you may have to pay the extra cost.
If you or someone in your household has caused the damage, you should tell your landlord. The landlord can arrange for the damage to be fixed, and charge you for the cost of the repairs. Alternatively, the landlord may agree with you that you can have it fixed. If you have contents insurance, this may cover the cost, so report the damage to your insurer.
Always report the repairs in writing. If it is urgent, make a telephone call first, but always write as well. Date your letter and keep a copy. You can use email, but make sure you keep the reply so that you can prove it was sent to the right address.
It is important that you can prove your landlord was aware of the problem, in case you need to take
the problem further."
Your landlord should give you notice and seek your permission before entering your property:
"Do I have to let the landlord come in?
You must allow the landlord or her/his agent access to see what repairs are needed and to carry out the work. The landlord should give you reasonable notice (usually at least 24 hours), except in an emergency.
Although your landlord should arrange the repairs, you may have
to let in the contractor.
Your landlord does not have the right to come into your home to carry out improvements unless specifically stated in your tenancy agreement, so the landlord will need your permission."
A rent deposit scheme may be available in your area if your landlord does take steps to evict you or sometimes if your property is considered uninhabitable.
If you gave your Landlord a deposit and moved in last year it should have been placed in a Tenancy deposit protection scheme.