Landlord telling my mum she is responsible for repairs

[Blondmusic]

My mum has been in her Private Rented house for 13 years. Her landlord is a local company who has several managers covering different areas.

 

The house is in a dire state and needs lots of work. The toilet in the bathroom is leaking (been reported but nothing done), the leaking toilet has caused some of the ceiling to fall down in the kitchen and the rest is sagging, the bathroom floorboards are rotten, the downstairs toilet doesn't flush, the back door is difficult to open and close (made of wood), most of the window frames (wooden) are completely rotten and my mum can't open several of them,

 

My mum never wants to make a fuss so I contacted the Landlord Manager by email. He told me to get my mum to contact him which she has now done (although she is not happy with me. Manager told her that she is responsible for the leaking toilet and the kitchen ceiling which I don't think is right. He also said that he has sent someone out several times to measure up for new windows but there is never anyone home (this cannot be true as my disabled father never leaves the house) and that the bathroom is getting replaced (but he told me this last year) and still has not been done.

 

Can anyone give me any advice on what I can do?

[rebel11]

Hi Blondmusic

 

Here's some info:-

 

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/repairs_and_bad_conditions/repairs_in_private_lets

 

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/repairs_and_bad_conditions/repairs_in_private_lets/landlord_refusing_to_do_repairs

 

I would also take some pics of the things that need to be repaired.

Only communicate in writing, send every thing Recorded Delivery.

If you want to deal with this on behalf of your mother, get your mother to sign a letter of authority.

[Blondmusic]

I have already looked at all of that. My mum is worried that if she kicks up a fuss the landlord will evict her. I do have the managers email address to communicate with him. I will get my sister to take some pictures of the repairs that need to be done and take it from there.

[f16]

Re the leaking toilet. ...........

Contact the local Enviromentel Health Dept. at the council. ...... That will get things moving.

[stu007]

Something else to consider is contact your local fire station and ask if they carry out free property fire safety inspections and if so book a visit.

[Blondmusic]

Thanks I will get onto it asap

[JoeyJoeC]

I have already looked at all of that. My mum is worried that if she kicks up a fuss the landlord will evict her.

 

From what you described, it wouldn't be a bad idea to look for somewhere else. Terrible to have a landlord that has no interest in anything other than money in their pocket.

[raydetinu]

What sort of contract does she have?

may be worth reading to see what the terms are regarding notice; repairs etc.

[rebel11]

The government are aware of the dilemma people face:-

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-29156186

 

Also I don't think eviction would be straight forward due to your father's disability and publicity the letting company might face.

[raydetinu]

contact local council, they may be able to help.