3 monthly checks! crappy estate agency single branch family run

[afoolonce]

hello, we rent a house through a estate agents, when we first moved in the estate agency owner came round for the first 3month check about 9 months after we had been there.

 

ever since they come round every 3 months and just seem to have a nose as we say the kitchen door on a unit needs fixing and a year on its still hanging, we say the extractor fan in bathroom does not work and still no fix, on their last visit 3 months ago they said they would get it all sorted but nothing. we are not in rent arears these people are jumped up and come out with one liners like do you want to carry on living here to which i reply NO! kind of shuts them up all because they get a whiff of smoke in the house, i smoke in conservatory.

 

this is really starting to bug us now as they send a short letter saying we are coming to check the property on this time and date if you are not in as per contract we will let our selfs in, that really bugs me the fact they can just walk in when they wish and this estate agency is a one off its a family run thing no other branches and they have been in news for rubbing another estate agent up which ended up in court action and arrests, no wonder as the women owner is a bitch to be honest and her mouth will land her in trouble again soon, but since joining this forum i have learnt words and letters are worth more than a verbal attack, so once agin people what can we do?

 

i was thinking if im correct we pay our rent were not in arears they do their 3 monthly checks but they are not keeping their end and fixing reported problems is this not enough to refuse them entry?

 

any ideas as to how we can get this women to wind her neck in would be great, thanks!

[rebel11]

Hi afool

 

Theres some info regarding repairs:- http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/renting_and_leasehold

[MARTIN3030]

You need to put something in writing,detailing the faults,and your previous requests to get them fixed.

Also what does it say in your agreement as regards repairs ?

[Ed999]

My advice is applicable only if the rented premises are entirely within England and Wales, and only if you were granted a shorthold tenancy (under which you [and your spouse/partner/children if any] have exclusive use of at least a bedroom, a kitchen and a bathroom, none of which are shared with another tenant nor with the landlord) and you were over 18 years of age when the tenancy was granted.

 

 

Please read this FAQ - Access to the Property by the Landlord

 

In summary it boils down to this: if you have a shorthold tenancy, the landlord only has a right of entry in order to carry out repairs, not for any other purpose.

 

Bear in mind that if you are a shorthold tenant, you can be evicted from the premises by simply being given 2 months notice, in writing, at any time once the tenancy has been running for 4 months. No reason has to be given. Where a dispute arises, concerning any matter, the landlord can simply end the tenancy in that way.