Landlord won't fix anything - what should we do?

[TooMuchRain]

We found our property through an estate agent who handled the contract etc. but we have to deal with the idiot absent landlord ourselves and the problem is that he just won't fix anything.

We can't continue to live like this, so I was wondering if our best course of action is:
a) try to get out of the contract early (it is a 12 month contract and runs out in January)
b) try to force him to make the repairs

Does anyone have any advice on what might be effective?

Thanks!

What sort of things?

The main problems are the broken oven and damp and mould all over two walls.

what does it say in the contract about repairs etc?

I have been through all this i feel your pain.
Just keep harping on until something is done!

Those don't sound unreasonable!

It's just a standard shorthold tenancy he is required to make the repairs but there's nothing about how quickly or what happens if he doesn't.

Whoops, wrong button.

Keep complaining. Could you ring citizens advice and see if you can find out your rights. Surely mould can be dangerous to your health.

I feel your pain....

Currently the landlord is refusing to discuss, electrics in DS bedroom (there isn't any!), back box needs welding onto the Rayburn, cutting the oak that is now resting on the roof and emptying the cess pit.

Arghh, sounds horrible Pantone.

I've always got on well with the owners or agents in other properties so it's coming as a bit of a shock to realise how few options there seem to be for dealing with these dishonest bastards.

You mentioned the oven is faulty, is this a gas oven or electric? If the oven is gas powered you should have a copy of the yearly inspection and testing certificate which must be issued by a Gasafe registered engineer, failure to supply this is illegal and may give you some ammunition to force a repair , in the meantime do not use the oven/cooker if it is gas

Is it worth contacting the agent? At the very least they should know what a crap landlord he is!

Thanks Bureni, I'll check that out - it's a gas oven and I don't remember seeing a copy of the certificate.

I think you're right Groupie, I will do that too.

Look on Shelter website. It gives all your legal rights as a private tenant.

Thanks!

Has anyone else been through this? Did the landlord make life even more difficult because you stood up to him/her? I really want to get this sorted but am worried about being harassed until the end of the contract