SMF - Just Installed!

Repairs and maintence being ignored

Started by Joe88, January 06, 2025, 08:40:14 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

Joe88

Hi,
I'm turning to this because I am at my wits end with the company that owns the block of flats.

I am renting a flat with this company and there are many issues that need fixing however the most urgent is an annoying leak in my bathroom.

We have determined that it is coming from the tenant upstairs. This is due to the fact that when he is working away it slows down and sometimes stops completely but when he returns it starts up again.

The leak comes from a pipe that is above my window. I assume it is for the bath and/or sink that flows down and into the wall in the middle.

This leak has been happening now since August. The company that owns the flats are incredibly incompetent and neglectful. They don't even have a website or email I can find for them.

I only have contact with a few people who are the "repair" team. I have had many phone calls, messages and images I have sent of this over time so there is plenty evidence and record of the problems.

A big issue is the tenant upstairs is slightly problematic to put it lightly. Put aside the fact he is away a lot when he is in he either doesn't answer the door for anyone or just straight up refuses to let anyone in to perform repairs.

Whenever I call the maintence guys I get the same response of "I will look into it" and "let me call you back" and this is been going for months. Not only is the leak incredibly annoying and hard to handle but the water damage and mould in the bathroom is hard to keep on top of.

There are other issues in the property such as a broken entry gate, broken security doors and more. The gates are a massive issue because we often get homeless people sleeping on the flat stairs or people leaving a mess everywhere near where I live.

Oh and the maintence guys are aware of this issue but yet again just don't act on it.

I'm really just looking for ideas on how to handle the situation and what to do.

jpkeates

What does "I am renting this flat with this company" actually mean?

Joe88

I am a private tenant. I rent a property from a company

heavykarma

I would contact the local council.  If that gets you nowhere I would leave at the first opportunity.

jpkeates

Quote from: Joe88 on January 07, 2025, 08:22:22 AMI am a private tenant. I rent a property from a company
If the company who are not responding are the same company who own the building, you should report this to the council, but probably prepare to move somewhere else.

David

The "Company" may just be an Agent, so do a Land Registry search, now £7 from .Gov website, then if owner is different you track them down from address and social media or 192.com and include them in demand for repair.

Also look to see if there is a Freeholder who is not known to you.  If the leak is external then it may be their liability and they can charge back the leaseholders.

The awkward git may be a Tenant and they may be looking for a reason to kick him out.

Either way after reporting to the Council pointing out the water is leading to mould growth you then send a firm letter to the Landlord and their Agent.  You simply say

"I first reported this defect in Sept 1903 and despite numerous follow up calls you have failed to carry out the repair.  As such you are in breach of the Landlord and Tenant Act as well as the Consumer Rights Act, therefore, if the repair is not carried out to my satisfaction with 14 days I will pay to get it repaired from the outside, redirecting the water away as best I can.  I will then deduct the cost of this from the Rent.  Needless to say this repair will only be a makeshift solution and you will still need to carry out the repair.  You will also be hearing from the environmental health officer because of the mould the leak is causing, they can levy heavy fines and issue an improvement order for 7 day repair".  Meanwhile I am looking into getting a rent repayment order.

It is not enough to make these threats, you must carry them out, not all may stick but they will get the message.