Whether to withhold rent from a useless landlord

[Proactivity]

A couple of months ago, the dishwasher in my rented apartment sprung a leak. The water got under the floorboards, causing the kitchen floor to squelch and spit water at you wherever you walked. I told my landlord, and a month later he got a plumber out to fix the leak. By then the kitchen smelt like a swamp, and we've been waging a war against flies and insects. The plumber said the floor would have to come up and would need a dehumidifier to dry it out. This was several weeks ago, and I haven't been able to contact my landlord since. The latest is that he's on holiday until next week. Meanwhile I have no idea what effect the mould and spores are having on my 6 month old baby.

My question is, is there a good reason, legal or otherwise, why I shouldn't withhold this month's rent until he's sorted it out? It'll be paid by direct debit tomorrow unless I cancel it today, so I'm gathering some quick opinions!

Thanks.

[janetsflower]

If you withold your rent then you are breaching your contract and the landlord has good reason to kick you out. I would pay it but drop your landlord a line by recorded delivery asking them to sort the problems out or you will take legal advice regarding your posiiton. Best if it comes to tht that you have kept up your side of the contract by paying the rent, the landklord cannot then evict you and will be obliged to carry out the repairs.

[joko]

don't pay and move out.

he may be hoping you will deal with it - don't

[Ethel]

Pay your rent but get advice from the council and environmental health.

They may be able to 'pursuad' your landlord to sort it out, especially if it is a health hazard.

[emma_26]

I had probs with my old landlord i got advice from the local council housing enforcement team they work for private tenants. do not withold the rent it will all land back on you if you do. keep paying get advice and help from them. as it happened housing enfocement have actually prosecuted my old landlord and he is no longer allowed to rent out his house he has a time limit to get the work done and if he dont they can demolish his house!