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??

[Mamyalynne]

Not a typo, predictive invents words?

Didn't know that.

Can they negotiate "In writing" a month or so rent free to pay for the repairs themselves?

[snags]

Perhaps an 'adult' should have gone with them...

[Jackdaw33]

Must remember that word next time I call my building manager to complain about the radiator. "I'm having trouble with my fadiagot!"

[anneasquith]

I think most mature people would check the property before renting, they obviously needed a responsible adults advice .

[Barmaid]

I dont think we can really be too harsh on Teen Smow. When I rented this house I didnt see all the faults.

This is a proper rental isnt it Smow? And do make sure that they receive the Tenancy Deposit stuff within 30 days.

[Jackdaw33]

Depending on their finances I would have said the same. Pay for the repairs, keep all invoices and receipts then deduct the money from the rent.

[Mamyalynne]

I wouldn't recommend withholding any rent but negotiate and get written confirmation of agreement to that.

[anneasquith]

Actually I owe you an apology S . I didn't answer your question, and was quite judgemental , sorry .

[anthro-nerd]

I would withhold rent until the repairs are done, but let the landlord know in advance that this is the case. That should scare them into doing the repairs. Take photos of the damage and get a quote for the work and send it all to the landlord.

[Mamyalynne]

//You don't have the right to withhold your rent if your landlord refuses to do repairs. If you don't pay rent, the landlord could take steps to evict you. But if the landlord has failed to do repairs, you can arrange for the repairs to be done and then deduct the cost from your rent.//

[Jahulaye]

“sent a contractor to quote for the work and he’s said he doesn’t want to do any of it!”

Why doesn’t he want to do the work?

Is he the only contractor in the vicinity?

[Smowball]

Sorry internet went down! With the best will in the world I don’t think most people would open and shut every window to check it was ok!

[anneasquith]

I disagree S .

[Cloverjo]

I agree, Smow. When I've rented, I didn't check every (or any) window. Luckily most places have been ok, but there was one flat which I moved into in summer, but in the winter one room was uninhabitable because of mould.

I don't think you can do much with landlords like your son's. If he is forced to make repairs, he'll get away with doing as little as possible. There will then be more problems that turn up.

Do what you can to get them somewhere else while losing as little of their deposit as possible.