Rent refund/compensation?

[eeloojon]

Hello everyone, hoping someone can help with this

I rent a top floor flat and back in january I notified my landlord that there was some leaking from the roof near the bay window on to the wall to which she said she would notify the factors.

About a month ago we had 5 days notice that repairs would need done to the roof joists to correct rotted beams.

We were told by the company that it would take 5 days maximum but on the 4th day one of the builders said that the rot was deeper than they thought and that they needed a couple of days to discuss it with their bosses.

They didn't return for 10 days, leaving the living room a pile of rubble, thick with balck soot/dust and the kitchen which is part of the living room completely out of bounds as all out furniture was in it/blocking it.

It cost us a fortune in takeaways

We were struggling to breathe/wheezing all the time esp in bed at night aswell perhaps cos of all the dust? We both still have horrendous coughs.

After 10 days they jsut turned up one morning as if nothing had happened and took a further 3 days.

So all in all we had no use of the living room or kitchen for 17 days.

We pay £500pm for rent and our parents and neighbours have mentioned that we could get some money back as we didn't have full use of the flat?

Anyone know if that is true? I am a bit wary about asking, don't want to damage our relationship with the landlord as we understand the work did need doing...perhaps she should have known about it before we moved in last year through surveys or something though?

Any help would be great

[MrShed]

Worth asking for a reduction in rent certainly. Not sure if I would take it further, as it will damage your relationship with the landlord, and the amount due is not certain - although you would certainly be entitled to an amount back legally. I personally would suggest somewhere in the region of £140-150 would be acceptable.

[eeloojon]

Thanks for your reply, it was very helpful