Failed Boiler in rented student accommodation

[Bob Twosocks]

Hello,

I am currently in dispute over a failed boiler during the end of Dec. 22 to early Jan. 23. The Landlords' letting agent fixed the boiler after 18 days, during the period of the fault there was not hot water or central heating. I am claiming that the property was unfit for habitation since minimum temperatures were not maintained and as such as a tenant I had to leave. I'm seeking a rent reduction for the majority of the period of fault, allowing a reasonable time for repair. However the Landlord's agent has only offered a 5% reduction in rent which I feel is inadequate. During the absence from the property use of university facilities wasn't possible since I was no longer residing local to the facilities / resources.

Do I have any substantive claim for rent reduction or loss due to inability to access educational facilities.

Thanks,

[charitynjw]

You haven't given the reason for the 18 day delay in repairing the boiler.

[Bob Twosocks]

The Letting agent quoted the Christmas period and postal strike as reasons for the delay in repairing the boiler.

Thanks

[paulajayne]

The Letting agent quoted the Christmas period and postal strike as reasons for the delay in repairing the boiler.

Thanks

So Santa and a postman were not available to fix it?

How many days were you not there?

18 days is not reasonable so stand your ground and put in a counter offer.

[charitynjw]

I suppose each case turns on it's own facts.

[charitynjw]

So Santa and a postman were not available to fix it?

How many days were you not there?

18 days is not reasonable so stand your ground and put in a counter offer.

So a National Elf strike?

[paulajayne]

So a National Elf strike?

L O L

[EXC]

So a National Elf strike?

Probably just working to Rudolf.

[charitynjw]

.

Probably just working to Rudolf.

Hi EXC

The Russian weather forecaster?

Rudolf the Red knows rain, dear
Rudolf's little known Swedish cousin?
Olof, the other reindeer.
Coat?

[charitynjw]

The Letting agent quoted the Christmas period and postal strike as reasons for the delay in repairing the boiler.

Thanks

Events such as the world-wide Covid pandemic & the shortage of semiconductors has had a severe effect on the avalablity of boilers & boiler components. PCBs are difficult to source, & new boilers are in short supply. A friend of mine (heating engineer) tells me that, unlike a couple of years ago when you were spoiled for choice, nowadays you have to take whatever is available.
Could that be the reason for the delay?

[echat11]

As you have a dispute, there should be an arbitration scheme available to you. Follow your landlords complaints procedure, then the matter should be referred to the arbitration scheme if unresolved. I don't think the reasons given by the landlord stack up. No doubt the costs incurred during that period would be substantially higher then costs outside of that period, but that's not your problem.

[islandgirl]

a) I think you should have a bigger reduction b) Most unis/colleges are shut during the time the boiler did not function. Why is the claim based on access to educational facilities?

[charitynjw]

Hello,

I am currently in dispute over a failed boiler during the end of Dec. 22 to early Jan. 23. The Landlords' letting agent fixed the boiler after 18 days, during the period of the fault there was not hot water or central heating. I am claiming that the property was unfit for habitation since minimum temperatures were not maintained and as such as a tenant I had to leave.
During the absence from the property use of university facilities wasn't possible since I was no longer residing local to the facilities / resources.

Thanks,

My children come back to the family home Xmas & New Year..........

[Bob Twosocks]

Hello,

Educational facilities are available 24/7, but obvioulsy only if resident locally.Since boiler wasn't working there was no heating or hot water for washing etc. so I'm arguing that the property was unfit for human habitation and so I had to move out / away from educational facilities and resources for duration of fault, at least.

[Bob Twosocks]

Hello,

I will be adhering to their complaints procedure and appealing if not satisfied by their offer(s).