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Original poster

wrangles with the landlord,what do I do now?

18 replies

emaknee · 19/04/2008 10:04

I moved into the property 3 yrs ago, and since the beginning I have been asking for them to sort out the problem of ;
condensation,
cracked windows,
lack of insulation(the seals in the double glazing appear to be rotting).

They have increased the rent twice, the last time I said i would only renew the rent if they sorted out the problems.
they practically threatened me with termination of tenancy, and its been two months since I signed the new contract.

Someone has been from an independant company to check the condensation, and I got a letter to say thet I must stop drying washing indoors, and turning the heating off!
So, Im stuck between a rock and a hard place.
I cant believe the callousness of thes people.

OP posts:
GentleOtter · 19/04/2008 10:12

Are you in England? (If you are in Scotland then the law is different )
The Shelter website is good for advice on your rights and what to do.
Shelter England link.

Original poster
emaknee · 19/04/2008 10:20

yeh, im in london....
thanks for the link will take alook.was wondering about CAB,but they take FOREVER to get an interview.

OP posts:
Freckle · 19/04/2008 10:22

You could try telephoning CAB. Most bureaux offer a telephone service. It is better to go in with your tenancy agreement, but, if you can't get an appointment, then telephone is probably OK.

FAWKEOFF · 19/04/2008 10:24

telephone the CAB and see if they can give you some advice.....maybe you should start looking for a new property to rent in the mean time

Indith · 19/04/2008 10:39

Ok what does it say in your contract about the standard the property should be kept in?

It probably says something like the landlord should keep it to a reasonable/comfortable standard.

Condensation I'm afraid will probably just be put donw as one of those things, it is very common in certain types of property (stone for one) and can be kept under control by wiping down the windows in the morning and airing.

Cracked windows, if they are low, can be considered dangerous, facing thbe street so a security risk etc then perhaps you can get them replaced. If like mine at the moment it is a corner of an upper window that just has a crack in it but no hole/draught then probably just tough luck.

Insulation again, if the seals are rotten and making the windows a security risk then go for it but draughts are probably not going ot be taken seriously.

Renting is annoying much of the time for things like that, landlords just don't spend the time inthe houses to realise how annoying things can get. My house has damps, condensation enough to fill a swimming pool most mornings and pretty badly fitted doors with lovely chilly draughts. But it doesn't go against the contract, if it bothers you that much then find somewhere else, you can't refuse a rent rise. You also cannot refuse to pay rent until repairs ar done, it is most likely against contrat, the only thing you can do if he is breaking the contract with the above issues is to take him to court.

Original poster
emaknee · 19/04/2008 10:43

I have just written an email to shelter. ThanksGentle Otter.....what a lovely name by the way!

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Original poster
emaknee · 19/04/2008 10:50

just read your msg Indith...!
hm.you are so right about landlords and how they dont know what its like.I had such a lovely landlord before tho' who was totally considerate, and we really looked after and enhanced his property(Im a gardener).
So back to the rock and hard place.
I have been withholding the £26pcm rent increase until they sorted something out, but got a shirty letter, and a feeling in my bones that Im making myself vulnerable to eviction..... sounds like i am.

OP posts:
Indith · 19/04/2008 10:59

You are I'm afraid, you really must not place yourself in breach of contract else you won't have a leg to stand on.

The best way is to write down the points you want improving and take a fine toothcomb to your contract to see if you can set them out as him being bound to do them and then if possible get a written response from him.

Mine wants to put the rent up by £150pcm when our contract ends, he's living in a dream world if he thinks it is worth that much!

Original poster
emaknee · 19/04/2008 11:03

Blimey, that is a lot!Luckily, my ex is a wizz with the stroppy letter cos hes a business man, and got our last rent down by 3% cos of housing prices not increasing.....you can do that too!
I will follow your advice, but am fuming inside at the "big man".

OP posts:
Indith · 19/04/2008 11:09

Dad was a solicitor, we are well trained, my sister has been known to reduce agency staff to tears

Funnily enough landlord hasn't found anyone for when our contract ends yet (he was hoping for students but has pretty much missed the boat on that one now). We are merrily waiting to see what happens, about a month before it ends we will see if he will take the sme rent we are paying now and sign on for a bit longer or take ourselves elsewhere.

Somewhere with insulation would be nice though.

Original poster
emaknee · 19/04/2008 11:13

I agree!im sitting here typing with ICE on my fingers!!
well I have been toying with moving, but its the cost.The area Im thinking of would add acoupla hundred to my rent pcm, but at least I might have warmth!

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Indith · 19/04/2008 11:19

Yup, wrapped in a duvet with freezing hands sticking out!

I reckon that even if we end up paying a bit more if we have somewhere insulated it will cut a fair amount off the bills.

Our bolier packed in a couple of weeks ago, got it fixed pretty quickly but when landlord came round to bring us some heaters he said something about at least our house keeps heat pretty well with its thick walls Nice in summer though, stays really cool.

Original poster
emaknee · 19/04/2008 11:21

good luck with your rent, anyhow. sometimes these things are a blessing in disguise to make us go and get that WARMTH we both seem to want!.
gotta go and move. I AM now a block of ice...

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Original poster
emaknee · 19/04/2008 11:22

next time the landlord comes round, lock him in for a few days.ask him if it keeps the warmth well, in his humble opinion?????

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GentleOtter · 19/04/2008 11:47

Good luck with this emaknee and TOTALLY sympathise with you re a cold house. We have a very neglectful landlord too who "does not DO windows" and mice get in the gaps. The front door glass is held in with duct tape .
I'm getting ready to move into a caravan but no doubt when we leave the rent will go up and no work done.
We really do wrap ourselves in blankets at night or have hot water bottles on our laps. The baby needs outdoor clothes on indoors.

Roast your landlord for heat...

Original poster
emaknee · 20/04/2008 09:33

oh boy, my place aint so bad that I have to move into a CARAVAN!!!!
hope you keep warm....
I am assuming that the landlord is going to sort your doors and gaps out while you are in a caravan,G.O?
if not then lets have a general landlord burning festival for all us cold ladies!
sounds like 'Whickerman'doesnt it

OP posts:
GentleOtter · 21/04/2008 11:13

Our laird is having nothing to do with it...he is a toad.
We are in 'Wickerman' country here heh.

Original poster
emaknee · 21/04/2008 13:49

dadalundadundadundadun
dadalundadundadundadun.....
lets lure them to a wee feasty......

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