Landlord health and safely issue

[fruitstick]

We are renting a property at which has recently had a rear extension with french doors on the first floor bedroom. When we viewed the property it was not completed and we were told that a balcony or railings would be erected on the doors.

However, now that we have signed the contract, the landlord has informed me that these railings will not be done and we are to keep the doors locked (obviously as there is a 10 foot drop). I have 2 young children and am concerned about the safety issue.

Surely it's not legal for a rental property to have such a health and safetly risk.

What should I do?

I can't imagine that this would be allowable for building regulations. You could try ringing your local planning dept

If you signed the contract on the understanding this would be done and now its not I would say this is a breach of contract and you would be etitled not to go ahead with the lease easier said than done esp if you have parted with money (dislaimer ....I am not a lawer).

We've already moved in so don't really want to have to move out again. Have emailed the planning department.

you could also try the Shelter helpline & they've some advice on their website about the Housing Health and Safety Rating System which I would have thought should cover your situation?

Welshdeb is right, this does not comply with building regulations, but building regulations are nothing to do with planning so you should get in touch with the local authority's building control department (unless the planning department is helpful enough to forward your email).

You shouldn't have to move out, the solution is to bolt some railings on from outside (adequately fixed to the supporting structure of the building) to form what is known in the trade as a 'Juliet balcony'.

The only other solution is for your landlord to permanently fix the french windows so they cannot be opened, but they are probably supposed to be a means of escape so this would not be OK either.