Council have left me with no gas. So no heating and cannot cook have family

[Jtierney]

Council have left me with no gas. As had gas leak and now have to have all gas pipes renewed. Have no heating and cannot cook. Family of 5 with 2 teenage boys. Have been told my appointment for someone to come is 12 Feb. Can they leave us like this. Is there not some law which states this is not ok.

[charitynjw]

Re: Council have left me with no gas. So no heating and cannot cook have family

Hi Jtierny

Council or Housing Assn?

Obviously safety must come first, & if there is a reported gas escape outside of acceptable limits, then it has to be dealt with appropriately as per the Gas Safety (Intallations & Use) Regs 1998.

But I can't imagine they can just leave you in the lurch if you are a tenant.

Btw, was the leak identified as coming from pipework, or from an appliance (ie cooker, boiler, etc)?

[Kati]

Re: Council have left me with no gas. So no heating and cannot cook have family

Wouldn't a gas leak be classed as an emergency?? And having kids should mean the repairs are urgent??
[MENTION=15129]Crazy council[/MENTION] ??

[des8]

Re: Council have left me with no gas. So no heating and cannot cook have family

As you say the pipework has to be replaced I assume the problem is within your home

The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 requires a let property be fit for human habitation which includes facilities for preparation and cooking of food and to
to keep in repair and proper working order the installations in the dwelling-house for space heating and heating water.

If the pipework has deteriorated to the extent it needs replacing the landlord (council or H/A) have not maintained property and should therefore provide emergency facilities, (and contribute to extra cost of using such facilities).
Quick call to their CEO tomorrow, and involve your local councillor.

[Jtierney]

Re: Council have left me with no gas. So no heating and cannot cook have family

They have shut off gas supply that is why we now have no heating and no means to cook. The leak was coming from pipe that is why hav to have them renewed

[Jtierney]

Re: Council have left me with no gas. So no heating and cannot cook have family

Spoke to someone on phone just now and he was really rude and said to me "well you want to be put above all the rest do you"

[Kati]

Re: Council have left me with no gas. So no heating and cannot cook have family

Formal complaint to the CEO ??

Did you get this persons' name?

[Jtierney]

Re: Council have left me with no gas. So no heating and cannot cook have family

Sadly no I didn't but just hope that call was recorded

[Kati]

Re: Council have left me with no gas. So no heating and cannot cook have family

There should be a time log of your call if nothing else xx

[Crazy council]

Re: Council have left me with no gas. So no heating and cannot cook have family

Hi
[MENTION=39710]des8[/MENTION] was spot on. If a property is without hot water, heating, its classed as unfit for habitation, a temporary solution could be provided by the LL ( heaters and hot water boiler ), but if they can not provide HW, they can not charge rent for the period ( can charge peppercorn rent ( equivalent of storge fees at most ) )

Usually, a LL would rent a heater hot water solution from there local hire shop, and provide the tenant enough money to cover the extra electric, ( its a lot less hassle all round than temporary moving someone ).

[charitynjw]

Re: Council have left me with no gas. So no heating and cannot cook have family

Sadly no I didn't but just hope that call was recorded

You could do a Subject Access Request, asking for that portion of the recording which identifies you.
You can narrow their search by telling them (best in writing) the date & time of the call.
It'll cost a tenner, but could well be worth it!

You will need to send it to the Data Controller of the council; better still, send it via the head honcho of the council/ HA, asking him/her to pass it to the Data Controller.

Then sit back & watch the feathers fly! :bounce: