UK Landlord Forum / Life

In December I moved into a flat and the freezer wasn't working.

The lettings agent have repeatedly told me that they were looking into it. One month turned into two, three and so on. I've finally lost my patience and said they need to organise a replacement and I want compensation for the additional cost I've incurred.

I worked out that myself and my housemate have spent at least £50 more each month in having to constantly buy fresh food and not being able to freeze anything. It's been a massive pain and nuisance. I've now told them I'm not paying my usual £1000 rent this month instead I'll be paying £750.

What I want to know is where do I stand legally. If they refuse this then who do I complain to? It's been 5 months and still on-going.

Thank you!

Legally you can't hold back rent for this, but morally it sounds like an alright thing to do.  They might say you are now in rent arrears and try to reclaim this through your deposit at the end.  5 months is take the mickey somewhat though.  If it does go down to a deposit deduction, use ADR and state your case, I'm sure it will be fine.  A freezer was supplied at the start wasn't it?

Quote from: warbs111 on May 05, 2015, 03:58:06 PMI've now told them I'm not paying my usual £1000 rent this month instead I'll be paying £750.

This is the bit that you don't stand rock solid on, legally. Absolutely can understand why you'd be miffed, but Tenants do not have the right to withhold rent if repairs aren't done in a timely manner. Even the idea of a timely manner doesn't sit well, does it? There is no defined timescale for things like this - it's just "a reasonable time"... which can mean different things to different people. 5 months for a freezer isn't acceptable by any stretch. I think anyone would be with you on that.

Have you had a read of this?

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/repairs_and_bad_conditions/tenants_repairs_and_improvements/tenants_doing_repairs

This is Shelter talking and they are always on the side of the Tenant, but note the bit that says - "You do not have the right to withhold rent if your landlord won't carry out repairs."

Yes a freezer was supplied at the start. Basically it's brand new (turns out they knew there was a fault with it before I moved in). They eventually had someone come look at it again after 3 months or so and he recommended that a new one was needed. Turns out the freezer is still under warranty so I'm waiting for the manufacturer to arrange a time to 'fix it'.

It's just very frustrating! I've been super patient but I've just had enough now.

Thanks for the replies! To be honest I don't see us getting it fixed/replaced for at least another month. Ar least we'll get a freezer for 6 out of the 12 months of our tenancy. Grrrr.

Can you threaten to buy a 2nd hand one and throw the broken one out as there isn't room for 2?

http://ao.com/product/EC4201AOW-Electrolux-Chest-Freezer-White-27173.aspx


£299.

Massive.

This is why I dont do white goods, they should be down to the tenant as they can deal with these issues better.

To deduct £250 for not having one, when you could have mitigated that loss by buying one I think is a tad harsh.

However if you rented it with a working freezer you should have a working freezer.