Landlord problems

[consumer2008]

Hello all
Just joined the group and I have a question concerning my landlord. We signed up to a 6 month contract, ending in October and shortly after we moved in the chimneys have been falling down (bricks coming down onto the patio) and the roof tiles falling off. The landlord has repaired the chimneys but not the roof tiles, just because he is planning to build an extension in a few weeks time (unspecified) and doesn't want to build the roof twice!

We did know there would be an extension built some time, but we were not aware that the roof and chimmeys were unsafe and there are still tiles falling off the roof where I hang out my washing regularly and my children go out into the garden. Surely, this is breach of contract by the landlord and we are entitled to move out now without paying further rent rather than in October? Unfortunately though, the landlord has deposits/damage cover which he could withhold if we don't pay any more rent.

Any advice please?

Camilla

[MrShed]

No - a breach of contract does not constitute termination of the contract - you are still liable for the rent for the fixed term.

I would suggest contacting Environmental Health in the first instance.