If we leave because of non-repairs

[Xbandito]

Hello, We have now got the stage, that we have given up asking our landlord to do the repairs needed on the flat we have been renting for the last 7 years. It took over four years of complaining to get the front lounge window changed, for it was completely rotten, the wall underneath it was soaking and covered in mould. It took over a year to get roof fixed.
Now he knows all the windows are rotten (except new front one) and now we are into the period of lovely weather, every single one of these windows is letting in the rain. The front top floor window is now allowing water in so much that it is running down the inside of the new lounge window. the two rear top floor windows are also letting in the rain, which is allowing a stream to run down the hall wall. Every wall underneath these windows is soaking and most of the other walls are damp. Now apparently, we are getting a "new" boiler tomorrow (see post kidney patient with no heating) but I will not hold my breath but as far as the windows and other repairs go, it will be "one window per year" his own words. This is from a landlord who runs his own building company.
Our question is, if we find another place and want to leave within two weeks, can the landlord withold the deposit or use the deposit to re-paint etc etc if we leave because of his failure to repair the property ?.

I would keep complaining but I am getting fed up of it and as we are on a AST (periodic now I do believe) I am sure he will evict us if we go to the council and complain.

[MrShed]

He can withhold due to insufficient notice elements of the rent...but he cannot withhold money from the deposit for damages that either fall under his responsibility or fall under fair wear and tear.

[Xbandito]

Just an update, the downstairs flat are also leaving, for they have a flat roof over the kitchen and bathroom and it's been leaking now for 4 months. They have asked for repairs near enough everyday. Last Friday, roofers came out and "sort of repaired" it, basically they put down the stuff you use on shed roofs, over the one thats there and guess what, there is still "streams" of water coming in.
As far as our boiler is concerned, he aint putting one in now, your leaving now, so I aint bothered.

Am I glad we are leaving, nice cosy cottage and if we lose the deposit because we did not give the months notice, ah well. At least we wont have to live in a damp freezer of a flat, having to set the video camera on our car everynight.
Now we just have to face the stress of moving, God you collect a lot of "rubbish" in 7 years.

ps...LL is now going to lose over £900 with no rent coming in