Landlords getting work done while we live through it?

Former Member

Hi,

As some of you may remember, i had a damp problem caused by a leaking pipe under the house, that also made the floor bow.

Insurers for the builders will get a new floor laid and also re decorate.

I e-mailed landlord said can you wait until June when i leave, it will be a hassle moving furniture around, doors open in the cold, smell of paint etc.

Can they proceed regardless?

Former Member

no, i think youll need to let them get on with it

Former Member

you have a right to quiet enjoyment, but the work also needs to be done.

Former Member

I'd check the contract, I expect it requires you to let builders in

Former Member

Generally they can just come in, given the nature of the work being undertaken. It's not usually acceptable for landlords to carry out refurbishment work whilst there's a tenant in the house, but if the floor needs replacing because it is damaged due to damp then that will probably count as an emergency repair.

I think you're being a bit unfair about it all though, complaining about the damp and then complaining when the landlord actually does something about it.

Former Member

Arctic Roll wrote: »

Generally they can just come in, given the nature of the work being undertaken. It's not usually acceptable for landlords to carry out refurbishment work whilst there's a tenant in the house, but if the floor needs replacing because it is damaged due to damp then that will probably count as an emergency repair.

I think you're being a bit unfair about it all though, complaining about the damp and then complaining when the landlord actually does something about it.

I see your point, its my partner who is dead against the idea rather than myself.

Thing is we only moved into a house from a lovely flat as we wanted a garden for our Son and when we moved all of a sudden there was scaffolding up in the garden and the stairs leading down from the backdoor hadnt had the railings put on like promised so we had no access to the garden we moved for as it was unsafe for almost 3 months and summer was almost finished, also since june-december the hot water and heating were linked and we couldnt just have one as if we wanted one we had to have both on.

Also the hot water was leaking under the house and the tank went stone cold if we didnt use it within an hour, weve taken days of work, wasted money on energy and had nothing but stress so we just want to be left alone until June.

But yeah, if it has to be done so be it.

I feel sorry for the landlord as hes lost out too, paying good money to bad workers Fist time i hoovered the edging around the flooring wasnt even nailed down and stuck to the hoover hose :eek:

Former Member

have you considered maybe moving house?
Sounds like its falling apart a bit

Former Member

Ha, i would love to, but the contract ends in June... Dont know if i can wriggle out?

Now that you mention in, I think they may of filmed "bottom" in this house

Former Member

If it's that far below reasonable to occupy it would be worth putting you moving out the landlord with a general rant.

Former Member

I'd suggest that you seek some specialist housing advice about the problems in the property. If the house is in a bad state of repair and you've suffered losses because of that, such as the higher heating bills, then you may be able to recover damages.

If you're on a low income you can get advice from your local CAB or by calling Community Legal Advice on 0845 345 4345, or you can ring Shelter on 0808 800 4444.

Former Member

Hey there,

It's great that things have moved on since your last post about the repairs in your property and your landlord is doing something about it. However, this now puts you in an awkward position as the repairs are being done whilst you are trying to maintain your daily activities!

Arctic Roll has some sound advice about seeking advice from a specialist about the problems in the property and a possible claim for damages.

Arctic Roll wrote: »

I'd suggest that you seek some specialist housing advice about the problems in the property. If the house is in a bad state of repair and you've suffered losses because of that, such as the higher heating bills, then you may be able to recover damages.

If you're on a low income you can get advice from your local CAB or by calling Community Legal Advice on 0845 345 4345, or you can ring Shelter on 0808 800 4444.

You could also read your tenancy agreement to see what it says about how and when repairs should be carried out. But generally, if repairs need to do done, you are under a duty to provide access to your landlord (as long as he has been reasonable about it).

If you feel that the repairs are going to disrupt your life too much then your landlord is also under a duty to provide you with somewhere else to live for the duration of the repairs. More information can be found about this in the Shelter Guide to 'Getting repairs done' (pages 11 and 12).

These types of situations are all about negotiating with your landlord. You can ask him to lower the rent while the repairs are done to acknowledge the disturbance it will cause.

You were also wondering about the possibility of ending your contract early as you are currently in a fixed term agreement. You can do this by way of agreement with your landlord. It might be easier for you both for you to move out before June so the repairs can be carried out. Also, check your agreement for a break clause to see if either party can end it early.

Just remember to get any agreements in writing and if you're not sure about something then call a housing specialist (details above).

Hope things are sorted for you soon so you can get some peace and quiet with your family!