My friend had lived in a private rental property for a year with her DH and DSD. No benefits.
The last few weeks have uncovered a whole host of huge problems with the property. Trying to make this succinct as possible, they are:
- the boiler has broken down several times and was condemned last week, the flue has disintegrated and the boiler doesn't have enough insulation to pass a safety check. They have had no hot water for over a week.
- they have not seen a gas safety certificate since they moved in - there was a wooden splash back by the hob which was visibly charred when they moved in.
- the electric fuse box hasn't been checked since 2010.
- the electrics in the flat are unearthed and unsafe. There was an unboxed cable lying on top of the carpet spikes under the carpet in her DSD's room. These have finally given up and they've not has electric in most rooms for over a week. (They actually had to run an extension lead from a neighbour's house for a few days).
All of this was confirmed by an electrician.
The landlord has basically told them they need to put up with it until he can get it fixed (no time frame given and no urgency on his part), or they can move out. It isn't that simple, as they simply cannot afford another deposit and fees right now. On top of this, they live on quite a high floor and the lift will be out of service for at least 4 months, which makes moving even more difficult.
They have told him they will withold rent from the day they started without hot water / heating until this is fixed - can they do this?
If anyone could advise any legal or practical next steps it would be appreciated. She's in between a rock and a hard place, and is worried about the safety of the property.
Thank you!