 Re: Threats from Landlord
Hi Clair
Landlords fully understand their obligations. The Disability Discrimination Act, Sex Discrimination Act and Race Relations Act apply to anyone letting, selling or managing premises.
The landlord is responsible for :
Repairs to the structure, and exterior of the property, heating and hot water nstallations, basins, sinks, baths and other sanitary installations.
The safety of gas and electrical appliances.
The fire safety of furniture and furnishings provided under the tenancy, ensuring that the property is fit for habitation.
Repairing and keeping in working order the room and water heating equipment.
All private tenants in debt, are protected from acts of harassment and unlawful eviction by both criminal and civil law. Harassment is defined as acts which are intended to interfere with the peace and comfort of a tenant or the persistent withdrawal or withholding of services. Examples include:
Removing or restricting services such as hot water or electricity or failure by the landlord to pay bills due, resulting in services being cut off.
Entering the property without the tenant’s permission or when the tenant is not there.
Repeated visits from the landlord without warning.
Offering the tenant money to leave the property.
Threatening behaviour towards the tenant.
Forcing a tenant to sign agreements which reduce their rights.
I would give the council a call if this continues. Contact the local council's Tenancy Relations Officer (TRO) (also sometimes called a tenancy liaison officer or a tenancy harassment officer) if there is one. The TRO will usually be based in the local authority housing department or the legal department. The TRO is responsible for dealing with private sector tenancy disputes and should try to sort out the problem by negotiation.
Also record dates and times of what was said, if you are approached, keep a paper trail from now on.
If you agree to clear your debt and stick to the agreement, most landlords and housing associations will not take any further action. However, if the debt continues to increase, they will apply to court. They will write to tell you this. At court, the judge will decide what happens. You could be ordered to pay your weekly rent, plus an amount off the debt, or you could risk losing your home. Court costs are also added to your debt, meaning that you have to pay more.
Hope this helps
Uk | 
