Housing Advice Needed

[beansprout]

Hello lovely people,

In need of some help please…

My landlord has rented a property to me without an EPC.. my understanding is that is illegal. Have asked several times, in last three months and still not forthcoming.

Have asked again plus now leaving at the end of the month & ignoring me totally - even to take meter readings & hand keys back!!!

I really don’t want to go to court either but not sure as it is a private let whether I can go for mediation.

Deposit was lodged via under govt scheme - 60 days later but at least lodged.

No inventory on signing either so, not going to pay for anything either..

Could I bring in local councillor? For advice?

Thanks and have a good weekend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Kathleen Olander]

Did you rent the property via an agent?  You should have been provided with an EPC and Gas Safety Cert when you took the property.

Strange that the Landlord didn't do a check-in report as they wouldn't have a leg to stand on if they wanted to claim part of the deposit?

If you are leaving anyway in a matter of days, I wouldn't bother about the EPC, it's not about safety just efficiency.

[alice]

You can check online for your EPC at this stage what difference would it make?

im assuming tho you got the gas safety cert. That’s the important one. 

Edited Friday at 19:02 by alice

[beansprout]

Thank you both.

Inexperience Landlord trying to save  a few pennies - hence no agent involved.

The issue is the fact that it is my understanding that without an EPC that is current then they should not have rented the property - far  more to the point and taken rent from me.

They commissioned an EPC 4 weeks & I am still waiting for or a copy!!!

No gas in property.

Well I guess it will be a case of instructing solicitors which I have tried to avoid doing but as they are not responding at all, I have no choice.

If I am correct about EPC then it will cost them alot more than refunding me my rent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Angelina]

Take your own meter readings and properly document the condition of the property when you leave. The LL won’t have a case to claim against your deposit without a sign in inventory. Not having an EPC is largely irrelevant- if you report him he might get a fine but you are unlikely to get compensation. 

Edited 23 hours ago by Angelina

[beansprout]

Thanks…..still convinced I can get my rent back - not vindictive person but no one treats me this way & gets away with it.

Will teach them a good lesson if they get a fine - well two really - much rater have rent back.

Yes, will be taking pix - already have one for mould in bedroom - now removed.

 

[Angelina]

No, you won’t get your rent back for not having an EPC. I presume you’re thinking of  rent repayment order… you’d have to have evidence of an offence such as illegal eviction, harassment, threat, unlicensed property. None of which you’ve indicated. 
I don’t see what the problem is with your situation, certainly nothing substantial. If you have evidence of disrepair (including professional report) and you have to have evidence of informing the landlord as well; you’ve mentioned damp but said it’s not there any more? 

Edited 22 hours ago by Angelina

[beansprout]

Thanks - going to drop the whole thing now…& put it down  to a bad experience.

[Angelina]

Honestly, sounds like the best thing to do

[Sue]

8 hours ago, beansprout said:

Thanks - going to drop the whole thing now…& put it down  to a bad experience.

Maybe once you have left and have nothing to lose, name and shame him on appropriate local forums?

Assuming he doesn't have loads of mates who would then make life "difficult" for you,of course ......