Urgent Advice Please

[Smowball]

Ok teen snow and his lovely gf have literally just rented their first ever house. Then discovered a ton of problems and repairs!! House owner is doing everything possible to avoid doing them. They have two windows that won’t shut which renders their contents insurance invalid! They’ve FINALLY sent a contractor to quote for the work and he’s said he doesn’t want to do any of it! We are now at stalemate. Son is upset.gf is upset, I’m upset. I don’t know what to do??

[Jackdaw33]

Tell them to move out. Simples.

[Mamyalynne]

Shelter are very good.

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/repairs/what_to_do_if_your_landlord_wont_do_repairs

[Eleena]

How upsetting for everyone! I've found this Smow .. see repairs ..
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/renting-a-home/renting-from-a-private-landlord/

[Smowball]

They can’t afford another deposit and it’s a lovely house. Just full of issues!,

[Eleena]

Great mamya x

[Jackdaw33]

Surely if they give notice their deposit will be refunded?

[Smowball]

Ok, they don’t want to leave the house. It’s right by both their works, has lovely garden, garage etc. But has major issu such as windows won’t shut/open; fadiagots don’t work... the owner clearly just doesn’t want to pay for any repairs but surely he is legally obliged to??

[Mamyalynne]

Yes, as per the links.

[snags]

Did teen snow not go and view/check out the property prior to agreeing to take it?

[woofgang]

smow, read the shelter advice link...there isn't a yes/no answer to are they legally obliged to do repairs. Is there absolutely no way they can leave? It may be a lovely house but I don't like the sound of the landlord AT ALL. If he is like this now, I don't see it improving in the future

[Jackdaw33]

What's a fadiagot when it's at home?

[Mamyalynne]

Radiator

[woofgang]

lol jackdaw RADIATOR

[snags]

''Surely if they give notice their deposit will be refunded?''

Depends what their contract states. Isn't a shorthold tenancy usually for 12 months with a getout after 6 months? Any sooner they'll forfeit their deposit?

[Jackdaw33]

New one on me. Where did that word come from?

[anneasquith]

I'm sorry , but did they inspect the house before forking out money ?

[Mamyalynne]

Look at your keyboard, she dropped a line.

[Smowball]

Blooming predictive lol. Yes radiator!!

[Barmaid]

I'm not sure it comes down to whether they inspected it or not (some repairs would not have been obvious).

Shelter advice is correct.

1. read tenancy agreement as to what is/not his/their responsibility (although windows will be his)
2. Put complaints IN WRITING
3. Consider contacting environmental health

[Smowball]

They’re just 18 ! Kids basically but desperate for their own place. I don’t think it would occur to most people to be honest to check if every window opened, or if every radiator worked.