Violent flatmate - cant go home can i withold rent

[dream_weaver]

Hello,

I have had to leave my flat (approx 10 days ago) due to an incident with an agressive flatmate who kicked my door in, pinned me to my bed (whilst threatening me) and later set fire to the carpet outside my bedroom door whilst i was in bed

He was arrested and cautioned but has since returned to the flat. He was already on notice to leave due to not paying rent (which runs out 1st week in september) and landlord says he is unable to do anything to remove him prior to this - and even if he refuses to leave once his notice period has expired it is likely to take several months of Court applications to actually have him removed.

I pay my rent in advance and am now having to pay to stay out of my flat/travel to work and wonder if I can claim back the rent for the period i have been unable to stay at my flat

Alternatively, is it possible to have someone removed prior to their notice period ending on grounds of harrassment or anti-social behaviour? If so what would the procedure be? (landlord says there are no options to do this but hasnt been very helpful so not entirely sure they are being truthful about this)

Thank you in advance for any help/advice you are able to give me

Sam

[MrShed]

Landlord is basically correct - he has very little option but to allow him to stay at the flat.

Have you discussed the rent situation with your landlord? He may be amenable to allowing a deduction from the rent due to the extenuating circumstances. It is unlikely legally that you are entitled to such a reduction unfortunately.