I live in Scotland, I rent privately. My bathroom is leaking water downstairs, which is a council owned flat. The occupier downstairs has called the council’s Env Health so they are now onto the landlord. They are willing to start work immediately, but asking for help with the cost by way of paying rent in advance. We are in a position to help with this but would not cover more than 4-6months at a time as we might want to move out by then. The whole bathroom needs replaced, including flooring which is probably rotten. I imagine cost is 3-4 grand upwards and the time quoted is 2 weeks, so in real time, I am thinking 4 weeks as builders always underestimate this stuff don’t they? Landlord is away for 2 months, they own a B&B but cannot relocate us there as apparently the insurance does not cover them for us staying there while they are away. They are suggesting we stay in their own house for no extra cost other than electric and gas. I thought it was very cheap of her to mention this, although fair is fair. Can I then also claim a reduction in rent for the time I am out, or help with the electricity cost that the plumber will use?
What are my rights/their obligations in regards to alternative places to live? I will not be comfortable in the landlord's house obviously – I don’t have family that I can stay with. I can possibly ask some friends but 3-4 weeks is quite a lot. They also insisting I do this right away, but my partner is away and my parents are with me ( so it’s 3 of us for the next 5 days, or 2 of us after that). They are not willing to wait these 5 days.