UK Landlord Forum / Life

Around early December' 21 tenant, after nearly twelve months of happy tenancy messaged me of concerns regarding damp in the wardrobes/cupboards in the loft which was converted without building regs by my partner (who is a joiner) we advised to air the room regularly and cleaned away the damp marks. The tenant insisted the house needs so much work they would need to move out, mentioning damp proofing, new roof, pointing, we did not agree to these claims so tenant said looking elsewhere to live, this ongoing till now, tenant not paid rent since April '22 and reported us to Environmental Health, an officer is going to house on Mon 27 June he wants to know details of who built the loft conversion I have said loft already boarded out when I bought the house in '87 he asked if correct insulation was used I served tenant section 21 but this invalid now Environmental health are involved I'm at wits end! Sorry for long post I have been advised to put house up for sale, I'm an idiot I know is there anything else I can do? Tenant reckons she may have a house beginning of July but not holding my breath

Unless the tenant has paid for a builder to do an inspection they cannot make claims about the work that is needed.You don't say when your partner did the conversion, and if you have had other tenants living in the flat before this without complaints. If you have recently done the work I think it will be pretty clear that this does not go back over 30 years.I would ask to be there when EH visit,and own up to what happened.I very much doubt if you will be prosecuted,but could be ordered to do remedial work if they agree with the tenants claims.Whatever the situation, they are not entitled to withold rent.