Lazy landlord
Question
I am renting a property and I am having a few issues with the landlords. They enter the property without notifying me first and when I do arrange for the landlord to come round, he is always late. A shower (which was promised before the contract was signed) has never been installed. There was also a time when there was no heating in the house for more than a week. These are just examples of some of the issues I have with the landlord.
Is there a legal route I can go down to reclaim some of my money back?
Answer
If you rent privately and your landlord lives elsewhere you are probably assured shorthold tenants. The following advice is based on this.
As an assured shorthold tenant you have the right to live in your accommodation without being disturbed. You have control over your home, so your landlord and other people cannot freely enter whenever they please. Your landlord does have the right to 'reasonable' access to carry out repairs for which they are responsible, but they should always ask for your permission, and give at least 24 hours notice.
If your landlord wants to enter the property for any other reason, he can only do so with your permission. This is known as the right of 'quiet enjoyment' of the tenancy. This is an implied contractual right whether or not it is written into your tenancy agreement.
It must be very frustrating to be very frustrating to be left without hot water and heating. Your landlord has a legal responsibility for keeping certain things in your property in good repair, including the provision of hot water and heating.
If the lack of hot water and heating led to your belongings being damaged, you may even be able to claim compensation from your landlord. In your case your landlord may be in breach of contract if it was agreed that he would install a shower. This would probably depend on what is written in your tenancy agreement.
It would be a good idea to talk to someone about it. Visit the Community Legal Advice website for more information about where you can get local legal advice. You can also check whether you will be able to get financial help towards the cost.
You could also contact a local advice centre or Citizens Advice Bureau that may be able to help you take action.
Updated: 26/09/2008
Question answered by Shelter
