tenants rights

[Gemtubbs]

Hi, can any one offer any advice please? My sil rents a flat through an agency. A couple of weeks ago, the boiler broke down beyond repair and needs replacing. She has had no hot water. The landlady says that she can not afford to replace the boiler, the agency are saying that there is nothing they can do but offer her another flat across the road for £75 a month more. My sil has kept up with paying her rent the whole time, they have been there 3 years and keep it immaculate. Is there anything she can do? Isn't it a right to have hot water? I think that she has given up and accepted that she is being forced out.

Try Shelter or the local council housing department (someone will deal with private rentals). However if the ll really can't afford maintenance then she may better off elsewhere

Landlords have to provide heating and hot water and she should not have to move out. She can undertake the repair herself and deduct it from her rent (if she gives the landlord warning that she is going to do this). the CAB will help. She can also claim compensation for the time that she has been without hot water..