Struggling with Landlord

[Jasper William]

Hi Everyone,

I am going to try to keep this as brief as possible and stick to the main points so that if there is someone who can advise then I will be so very grateful.

1. I moved into a house 6 years ago through a letting agent who later disappeared, I believe deposit wasn't protected, so that's issue 1.
2. Landlord refused to carry out any repairs to the house so the house has issues which I have been unable to afford to put right
3. There was no Gas Safety Cert after the initial one in 2008 (since found out that this should have been yearly)
4. The landlord issued a Section 21 for a date a few months ago but didn't pursue it further via Court. I advised that I was looking for alternative accommodation which I have since found, but hadn't advised of a moving date as yet. Wanted to move things out and then clean (a lot had been done and looked presentable although a fresh coat of paint would be a great idea and maybe changing of a stair and landing carpet) can anyone advise on what is fair wear and tear over a 6 year tenancy when no interim freshen ups have been done?
5. The rent is paid and I started to move my furniture to the new address. Today the landlord has changed the locks on the house with some of my belongings still inside.
6. The landlord instead of confronting me about items that need repair ( ceiling in bathroom is damaged due to toilet above never being secured to the floor so it moved, was ok for a long time but progressively got worse) has contacted my employer and has threatened the Police with a view to criminal damage??? have threatened to report me to Social services as apparently I was living in squalor (simply not the case) - the ''out of bounds areas'' were the downstairs bathroom, the toilet which wasn't secured to the floor and mould was forming, the garden which was totally water logged so a mud bath.
7. There was no hot water for the last 7 weeks as boiler had been leaking water for some time (over a year) so clearly faulty. Advised landlord of this and withheld the rent but they blocked my car on the drive so I couldn't leave until I paid (they knew I had a school run to do so needed to move the car) so I had no option than to pay.

I just want these people to leave me alone. I understand they may have to spend some money doing remedial works but had they come in and done regular maintenance when I advised there were issues the faults would not have progressed to this stage. Clearly (I think) they are looking for me to pay for repairs however I don't feel I should be held totally liable.

Could I have thoughts on this please, would you suggest me finding a solicitor to deal with this?

many thanks in advance, JW

[MIKE770]

Re: Struggling with Landlord

pity at the time of residence you did not contact Environmental health! anyway seek free 15 minute advice from a solicitor or go to citizens advice

[Kati]

Re: Struggling with Landlord

I'm not sure how much help they will be, but have a read through these links:
http://www.propertyinvestmentproject...d-obligations/

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_ad...sponsibilities

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/wales/...sibilities.htm

All three of these explain the landlords responsibilities, including:

• keeping the deposit secure
• annual gas safety checks
• repairing the external structure of the property
• repairing basins/sinks/toilets and their pipework
• water and gas pipes, electrical wiring, water tanks, boilers, radiators, gas fires, fitted electric fires or fitted heaters.

As for their changing the locks while you still have belongings in the house ... I suggest you send them a letter (recorded delivery) stating a date and time that you wish to enter the house and inform him that if he does not turn up on the date you will be proceeding down the legal route of making a claim against him for the loss of belongings. They have acted illegally by keeping hold of your things and (IMO) you should be able to re-enter the house to collect them.

You should also report your LL to the Environmental Health Officer and (possibly) the Health and Safety department of your local council regarding their failure to comply with the gas safety checks. Your LL is liable to face fines/court as a result of not getting these done.

K x

[ostell]

Re: Struggling with Landlord

Fair wear and tear is just that. As long as no unusual wear, like you dragged a block of concrete across the carpet, then will not be a problem. It is not your duty to paint the interior, unless specified in the agreement, which I doubt it will be.

You no doubt have a signed copy of the inventory at the time of taking out the agreement? :tinysmile_hmm_t2: Without it he really has no case for damage.

Unfortunately you deposit is probably lost but as a parting gift I would report the accommodation to environmental health, and mention the lack of gas certificate, and let them come in and inspect.

[Carnelian]

Re: Struggling with Landlord

Speak to Shelter, they often take interest in cases like this

[seduraed]

Re: Struggling with Landlord

talk to the local council and ask their housing department to isnpect . It might also be worth checking if there ws n electrical safety certificate.