Renting for the first time.

[frostyfingers]

We have just moved into a rental property for the first time and are unsure as to what exactly we can expect from our landlords.....

The landlord is an "accidental" one, circumstances have forced him to rent rather than it being a choice. Our biggest problem is that some of the windows just don't open (big, old sash windows which have been painted shut in the past by a previous owner) - which we can manage in most of the house as others do, however in one room which is set a little apart upstairs neither window opens which means that we can get no fresh air in.

We requested that it be fixed via the letting agent and the landlord has come back and said that he doesn't want it done. Before I get arsy can someone tell me that I am entitled to be able to open a window? When we went round with the inventory a number of windows didn't open due to windows being locked and not having the key to hand - we've now located all the keys and still can't open these windows - so did we agree to not having opening windows by signing?

I'm so unsure as to where we stand, and it has to be said that the letting agent has not been overly helpful!

Having lived in houses with accidental landlords I can say without doubt the landlord will want to do absolutley nothing that costs any money. I fear you will always have problems getting the landlord to repair anything.

There is nothing in law that says the window has to open unless it is a danger to your life. I live in a rented with big sash windows and many do not open.

By the way, if you have a gas boiler by law it has to have a gas check and certificate in last 12 months and your deposit has to be in a registered tenancy deposit scheme. Even though this is the law some landlords (and their agents) still don't do it - especially accidental ones.

Also there needs to be an energy efficiency check done.
If you've gone through an agent they have a legal responsibility to do these checks.

Thanks - we've had the efficiency check, and the gas fire certificates so that's all in order at least. It's gone through a letting agent so that side is under control, but they just repeat what he says to them in response to our questions and don't seem to want to help at all!

We shall just have to appeal to his better nature then...!

I might be worth voicing a concern about being unable to open windows leading to condensation damage. Worked in reverse with American tenants who never opened windows just ran air con in summer (uk).