Rewiring of rented property

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So back story is lived in the same rented property for 8 years. Very rarely asked for anything to be fixed. Recently there has been issues with the property and the LL wouldn't get repairs sorted or he would try and repair them himself one being electrical issue which he is not qualified in.

Back in November I had withheld rent to initiate contact as he ignores my correspondence so this was the only way I could get him to get in touch, he comes to the property tries to fix the issues himself but to no avail because he is not qualified, told me to pay the rent and he would get someone up. So again I paid and he stopped contact.

Because of this I withheld the rent again and this time I receive a letter stating if I didn't pay I would be evicted so ofcourse I paid. I then text him giving him 14 days to complete the work or I would contact the local authority to get public, health and housing to have a look.

Ofcourse he didn't respond so I contacted them and will meet in due course. But today out of nowhere I had a message from him and call saying that he will fix the issues in the property one of which is the property needs a full electrical rewire but in order for this to happen I need to move out of the property for 8 weeks and take all my belongings with me.

I asked who would be doing the work as I find 8 weeks a bit bizarre (I am in no way trained but 8 weeks is a bit excessive for a 2 bed property). After asking this I was met with a message saying "can't be bothered with the headache so herby is your notice to quit".

Sorry for the long one but I'm just wondering if anyone as been in this situation or know where I stand? I have 3 kids and been trying to find somewhere else because this property is too small for us but to no avail so we have been making it do.

Have a feeling the 6 week excuse was just to get me out of the property without having to take me to court for eviction but I'm staying put so it seems like court will happen but not really sure what I can do now?

Any help would be appreciated.

8 week excuse*

They could rewire with you in situ. You can get the house rewired one room at a time, you just have to clear each room at a time. It's a pain but possible. This was done in a house I was renting and the whole thing took about 3 weeks off and on. They didn't cut chases in the wall though, wiring was in plastic runners on walls. All very doable. I would get advice from shelter or similar though.

That doesn't sound like a formal notice to quit, not sure of the current legal requirements but certainly it needs to state the date on which the tenancy is to end. I don't think a text message would be enforceable.
Get advice from Shelter.

@Rigsby7 I have been googling like crazy and seen that it can be done while still living in the property so that's why I'm thinking they are saying I would need to leave so they can get me out the property without having to go to court because If I willingly leave with my belongings they don't have to let me back in.

@DelphiniumBlue going to speak to shelter etc tomorrow and see what they say but I'm a massive worrier so was just looking to see if anyone could give me some advice until I can call them in the morning. I'm not accepted the text message as the notice to quit as its not very professional and also came from the landlords sons number so not actually from the landlord himself.

He’s almost certainly looking to do an illegal eviction so you are right not to move out!

The text is also not a legal section 21. Do nothing for now. See if he serves it.

Then check it’s valid. Did he protect your deposit?

But if you stay for the next say 5-6 weeks while this dispute goes on are you and the kids actually safe from a fire?

Can you look to move anyway as it sounds like natural time to get out.

Also 2 weeks and you can stay in the house, for a small 2 bed. 👍

Did it get an EICR done when The law changed in 2020?

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electrical-safety-standards-in-the-private-rented-sector-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities/guide-for-landlords-electrical-safety-standards-in-the-private-rented-sector#introduction

@CornishTiger I didn't pay a deposit as I moved into this house from another house that I was renting from the landlords agent so Ii was sort of a straight move/swap of tenancy. The landlord was sacked from the letting agent years ago for not paying them what he owed and since he's had no agent this is when problems started to arise.

@hothotheatbag the bottom light in my hall was cut out around 4/5 years ago with the electrician stating that the house needed rewired so as crazy as it sounds we have managed to stay safe for that length of time. If it was honestly as easy as moving I would be out of here I'm extremely stressed with the whole situation and got lots of family issues going on at the min so can't be dealing with any more stress tbh but in our area it is not as easy to find 3 bedroom properties, we have been trying to buy also but again nothing suitable is coming up but we have been trying to get out of here for so long. Thank you I thought that myself, it does seem like it was just an excuse to get me out the property without all the legal work.

@CornishTiger not that I'm aware of, he did get a letting agent to deliver a letter advising a notice to wuit would happen if no rent was paid and when I phoned the letting agent to advise about the electricity she was very abrupt and said that he did have and Electrical safety certificate I asked when this was done and she rudleh said "it is in date" I said but when was it done and she said just repeated that it was in date. Now all of a sudden they are saying it needs a full rewire so they've either lied about having one in date or they are lying about it needing rewired to get me out the property. I'm not even sure the property actually has the correct smoke alarm detectors tbh.

Whatever the rights and wrongs of these issues it seems likely your relationship with your landlord is finished. Not to mention that the property from your description sounds pretty questionable.

If it were me I'd be looking for a new place to live rather than trying to prolong the agony.

OP your landlord should be able to provide valid electricity and gas certificates for any property that it is renting. It is the law.

If he does not have that he has broken the law.

Make an appointment with your local citizen advice bureau and they can help you draft a letter to the landlord asking him to provide the certificates and listing what needs to be fixed in the flat. They can advise you as well about the correct procedure he needs to follow to evict you.

If he has not protected/transferred the deposit correctly & does not have the right certificates in place you could have a claim for compensation as well.

@GasPanic I have been looking to move for some time now tbh but there is absolutely nothing available in my area so I've had to stay here.

@Startingagainandagain I've been on call to citizens advice and shelter Scotland all morning making sure I'm clued up on the procedure etc and what I can do. Just going to have to wait it all out and go to first tier tribunual and see what happens.