Advice on rental property

Hi all

I need some advice on a rental property matter.  My son rents a flat in Newcastle he reported a leak in the roof last year and was told it would be dealt with.  Now the leak has caused damp in the flat with mould growing on the walls, the floor boards are beginning to sag and the flat below has also developed a leak.  The heating does not work either and hasnt since he moved in, also reported.

What I would like to know is, where does my som stand legally with continuing to pay rent on the property, and what are his rights.  I have no experience of rented property, but haveadviced him to write an email to the landlord outling what the problems are.

Any other advice would be appreciated

thanks

Yes Allison, continue paying rent, witholding can cause unprecedented problems for your son.

Is it a private landlord or an agent? Either way, continually call them until you get a reply both verbally in writing and with a planned home visit to formally complain. The local authority EHO should be able to help as well.

Thanks for that Brian, I hadnt thought of EHO, but like it.

Get in touch with the local council and they will visit the property and contact the landlord....even if its a private let.

I know witholding rent can lead to court application to evict but it seems to me a bit unjust in these cases. What if a letter is written detailing the problems and the dates informed with notice that unless action is taken within 2 weeks then the tenant will action the repairs on behalf of the landlord and pay for such repairs out of the rent. Provide quotes for the work etc...

Even the threat of witholding rent may then get some action - In the end the landlord can give the tenant notice after the fixed short hold tenancy so if they get upset they will evict anyway so probably better to look for another flat.

You just cant win can you.

If the flat is rent via a reputable Letting Agent they may belong to the Ombudsman Service. If so you should contact them if you have had no joy.

I had this problem when renting a few years ago,

The housing department of the local council and if there are health issues then the environmental health department should get involved.

Call the council as soon as possible and get the authorities involved, hopefully there will be no need to contact the ombudsman.

I have some rental properties so experience with this sort of thing, although of course my properties are in a good state of repair.

Basically, he needs to continue to pay the rent but the law works in his favour. If the repairs dont get done on the property, he can report to the local council under the Housing Act (2004), they council will then communicate with the landlord and make them do the repairs, should the landlord failt to do the repairs then, the council can intervene, carrying out inspections and so on, charging the landlord for this.

Call me if you wanna know more.

Hello Allison

I will be at Goole & selby next Thursday,  we can have a 121 and I can go through the property problems with you.  or give my office a call and pop in for coffee.

Adrian