 Landlord,Tenant & sub-tenants
In October 2005 I moved to share a flat with a lady who had Tenancy agreement with Landlord. In March 2006 another couple moved in as subtenants/lodgers,paying rent to the same lady who was the tenant at that time.
The landlord's relationship with the tenant deteriorated as she was not passing the rent we paid to her to the landlord.The lady tenant agreed to move out of the flat and recommend me to take over tenancy to the landlord as from 1st August 2006.I went to the landlord's office in July for a meeting to take over as the tenant.During the meeting I told the landlord that there are repairs that need to be done on the flat,some of them urgent,to be done before the rain season.The landlord agreed verbally and said he does not mind spending more money improving the flat as long as I pay my rent,unlike the outgoing tenant.I mentioned the leaking roof,burst water pipes,floor tiles coming out and kitchen to be redecorated.
On the 27th September 2006 I wrote to the Landlord reminding him that the roof need repair urgently before rains begun.I also mentioned other repairs like the floor tiles in kitchen and bathroom that were coming out.The landlord replied on his letter dated 3rd October 2006 giving me phone numbers for the roofer and plumber to contact and make arrangement for access.The plumber came and fixed the pipes.The roofer said he does not need access to the inside as he would just climb on top of the roof and do his work.Both came around mid October.
Rain temporarily stopped between mid October and mid November.When it rained again,i discovered that roof was still leaking and called landlord again.The guy came to repair within days but damage had already been done.
There was mould in the other bedroom where this couple lives and it affected their clothes.I told the landlord,who said I should move them into the lounge for a few days as he redecorate(new carpet & wallpaper) the room affected.This couple refused to pay me rent for December,saying its compensation for dry cleaning their clothes and living in a mould and cold room in the month of November.
The landlord send a council inspector after this couple moved out of the room.The day he came,heating was switched off as there was noone living in that bedroom.The inspector reported to the landlord that the room was very cold when he entered,so the cause of the mould was condensation.He said the room was not being heated properly.So the landlord said he was not responsible for the mould,but that I was budgeting on heating thats why there was mould in the room.
When i talked to the inspector over the phone,he said he was not aware that the roof was leaking.
I asked this couple for drycleaning receipts.They did not give me.They stated that their damage was more than the £440 rent they were withholding for one month of December.I do not have a written contract with this couple,but have one with landlord.
I went to the Citizen advice bureau.The lady said if I do not have tenancy agreement with this couple,then I can't enforce payment.I can only give them notice to move out.The lady stated that if the landlord refuse,I should talk to a solicitor,who can possibly sue.
I don't mind if the landlord give me notice of possesion because he has not repaired the floor tiles in the kitchen and bathroom as stated in my letter of 27th September.I have not enjoyed living in this property because i mopped the water leaking into the kitchen and pipes leaking in bathroom.I discussed compensation for late repairs but the lady at CAB said the landlord is not responsible for repairing inside the flat,but outside.Is that true.She said whatever repair that need to be done inside would be treated as wear & tear,which the landlord is not responsible for.
The boiler makes noise at night because its old.The landlord's gas certificate for 2004,2005,2006 states that the boiler is noisey and old.The latest,dated October 2006 stated that 'the boiler is very old and noisey,I would recommend replacement'.I believe the boiler is a health hazard.But the inspector circled 'safe to use'.
I am sorry my story is very long.Please help | 
