What Should You Do If There Is No Heating Or Hot Water In A Council Property?
By
HuutiMoney
The following blog post aims to answer the question of what you should do if there is no heating or hot water in a council property. For a deeper perspective of the topic, we will also explore the responsibilities of the local council as a landlord and if you can hold them responsible in such matters and/or complain about the authorities if no action is taken within reasonable time.
What Should You Do If There Is No Heating Or Hot Water In A Council Property?
If there no heating or hot water in a council property, you, as a tenant should follow the below listed suggestions to resolve the matter:
- The first thing you should do if you notice a lack of heating or hot water in your council house is to contact your council’s repair service. You can usually find their contact details on the council’s website or in your tenancy agreement. Inform them about the issue and request a repair visit. Most councils have an emergency repair service available 24/7, so if it’s outside of business hours, don’t hesitate to call.
- Sometimes, the lack of heating or hot water can be due to a faulty boiler. Before calling your council’s repair service, check if your boiler is functioning correctly. Ensure that the boiler is turned on and set to the correct temperature. If you have a gas boiler, check if the pilot light is on. If your boiler is not functioning, contact your council’s repair service immediately.
- If your heating system is not working, you may need to use alternative heating sources to keep warm. Portable electric heaters and hot water bottles can provide temporary relief until the heating system is repaired. However, be careful when using portable heaters as they can be a fire hazard. Always ensure they are placed on a flat and stable surface away from flammable materials.
As a tenant in a council house, you have rights regarding repairs and maintenance. The council is responsible for ensuring that your home is in good condition and that any issues are resolved promptly. If your council fails to make repairs within a reasonable timeframe, you can file a complaint or take legal action. However, it’s essential to communicate with your council’s repair service first and give them the opportunity to address the issue.
Can I Hold The Council Responsible For No Heating And Hot Water In A Council Property?
Yes, according to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, you can hold your council responsbile for no heating and hot water in a council property. As a tenant of a council property, you have the right to expect that your home is safe and secure and that it meets basic living standards. This includes having access to heating and hot water.
If you are experiencing a lack of heating and hot water in your council property, the council is responsible for resolving the issue as quickly as possible. Considering the nature of the issue, the council is expected to consider lack of heating and hot water as an emergency and take action within 24 hours.
If the council fails to take action to address the issue, or if their actions are unreasonable, you may be able to hold them responsible for any harm or losses that you have suffered.
Can I Claim Compensation For No Heating And Hot Water In A Council Property?
If you are experiencing a lack of heating and hot water in your council house and the council has not taken steps to fix the problem, you may be able to claim compensation. Here are the general steps you can take:
- Report the problem to your local council or housing authority immediately. Provide details of the issue and request that they take action to fix the problem.
- Keep a record of all communication with the council, including emails, letters, and phone calls.
- If the council fails to fix the problem within a reasonable timeframe, consider filing a formal complaint. You can usually find information on how to file a complaint on the council’s website or by contacting their customer service department.
- If the complaint does not resolve the issue, you can escalate the matter to the Housing Ombudsman or seek legal advice to explore your options for making a compensation claim.
You should keep in mind that the process for claiming compensation may vary depending on the specific circumstances and the council’s policies.
Conclusion:
Living in a council house comes with many advantages, such as affordable rent, secure tenure, and easy access to essential services. However, like any other home, a council house may face maintenance issues from time to time. One common issue is the lack of heating or hot water, which can be frustrating and uncomfortable, especially during the cold winter months. If you are facing this problem, there are several things you can do to get it resolved; starting with contacting your local council office.
References:
Repairs and maintenance in council and housing association homes – Shelter England
How Long Does My Housing Association Have to Fix My Boiler?