Help ? housing issues

SJx

Hi 

I live in private rented accommodation and my landlord is refusing to do repairs and there is ao many problems like mould and big crack in ceiling, gap in front door letting cold in and we have had mice twice etc and it's effecting us emotionally. There is me, my partner and our two children one is autistic. They share a bedroom and that's effecting them as it's so small. Can we get any help to get out this place we feel so trapped and I'm now suffering depression because of it 

Ami2301

Sorry to hear this @SJx sounds really stressful! Has your landlord stated why he will not do any repairs?

SJx

He just says he can't afford it because he's the landlord of about 5 properties including this one. I think he just expects to let the house fall apart and as long as he gets money he doesn't care x

Sam_Alumni

Hi @SJx
This information is from the gov website:

What your landlord must do

Your landlord is always responsible for repairs to:

• the property’s structure and exterior
• basins, sinks, baths and other sanitary fittings including pipes and drains
• heating and hot water
• gas appliances, pipes, flues and ventilation
• electrical wiring
• any damage they cause by attempting repairs

If repairs aren’t done

Contact the environmental health department at your local council for help. They must take action if they think the problems could harm you or cause a nuisance to others.

If your house isn’t fit to live in

If you think your home’s unsafe, contact housing department at your local council. They’ll do a Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)assessment and must take action if they think your home has serious health and safety hazards.

Jean_OT

Hi @SJx

It sounds as if really you would prefer to get rehoused rather than taking steps to try to get your private landlord to comply with basic housing standards.

If this is the case, talk to the Housing Options Officer at your local authority to see what might be possible and the time scales involved.

The specialist housing charity Shelter can advise on challenging landlords providing substandard accommodation:   https://england.shelter.org.uk/get_help

Best Wishes

Jean