Elusive landlord
Question
We really need some repairs done on our property but our agency doesn't seem to be able to get hold of the landlord.
We've been waiting for some of the repairs to be made ever since we moved in, but now the washing machine is broken and we're desperate for it all to be sorted out.
The agency is unwilling to help with the repairs without the consent of the landlord so we don't know what to do. How do we get someone to make the repairs?
Answer
If you pay rent through a letting agency, you're entitled to know the name and address of your landlord. If you request these details in writing, your letting agency has a legal duty to supply this information within 21 days. If they don't provide these details, they are committing a criminal offence. If this happens, your local council may have a tenancy relations or harassment officer who may be able to help you with the situation.
If you manage to find out your landlord's details you may want to contact them directly as they may be unaware of the problems you're having.
If your property was furnished when you moved in the landlord is usually responsible for repairs to furniture and equipment, even if you rent through an agency. You may wish to check your agreement to see if an inventory was completed before you moved in and to see if it mentions the washing machine. An inventory gives a list of any items of furniture and equipment provided with the accommodation and sometimes gives details of their condition.
If you find you still can't get anywhere, you might then want to consider if you'd like to take action to get the repairs done. Before taking any action you may want to check what type of tenancy you have. It's important you do this because some landlords may prefer to try to evict tenants rather than do repairs. If your landlord has the right to evict you without having to give a reason (this is the case for assured shorthold tenants), you may need to think carefully about what to do.
Other things to consider before deciding whether to take action against your landlord are whether you want to stay in the property and the seriousness of the problem. You may want to discuss these issues with anyone else who shares the home with you.
Finally, it's important to know that there is a risk that your landlord may try to illegally evict or harass you if you try and force them to carry out repairs. A common form of harassment by landlords is to start repairs and leave them unfinished. Harassment and illegal eviction are criminal offences. If you think your landlord is guilty of harassment or illegal eviction, you could get advice from a local advice service, your local council or you could call Shelter's free national helpline on 0808 800 4444.
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Question answered by Shelter
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