Take Landlords to court

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I started renting the house in 2004 the gas/heating system has never worked properly for 4 years, in 2003 the house was burgled , the burglars managed to pull a small room (where the boiler, washing machine and tumble dryer are kept) away from the house, resulting in a gap as big as an inch between the house and the washing area. the window frame is all twisted resulting in the window not being able to close. this has caused us not to be able to fully use the living room and dining room, because of the cold draught from this damaged room. We only use the kitchen to cook in the finish our food, and spend the rest of the day/night in our bedrooms where it is warmer. it is only during the summer when we can use the whole house. During winter gas and electric is expensive, to try to warm the place. which hardy works.

We have also requested gas certificates over the past 4 years. I know it is a criminal offence not to supply this certificate within 28 days.
A new boiler was installed earlier this year - no certificate supplied, although the fitter maintains he is corgi registered.

Somewhere in this forum there is a reference to claiming part of rent paid due to disrepair and partial use of a house as a result.

can anyone help and give some advice. the local cab are very vague and and just agree that the landlord wrong but don't give and constructive advice

I do plan on leaving but want something done while im in the house or else the landlord will deny everything and refuse any sort of inspection.

[waterbottle]

Why don't you write to the local council and try to get them to send someone from environmental health to inspect? And try and get them to send someone who will verify in writing your claims for disrepair. Also get photos if you can.

Make all requests in writing otherwise you may be fobbed off. CAB seem a bit of a lottery. Most people find them useless.

Call the Community Legal Service. If you have a low income you may get legal aid to sue. If not you may get some limited help to put your problem in a legal perspective.

Good luck. If you re post as you progress, people who are more qualified will probably chip in along the way with more detailed advice.