My Landlord made a verbal offer of compensation and/or a rent reduction (in front of 2 witnesses) due to inconvenience suffered as a result of our kitchen floor being cut open and exposed when searching for a leak, but later reneged. Can I take action against them?
How long was the inconvenience? Were you able to use the kitchen? Was the landlord proactive in getting it resolved within a reasonable amount of time?
You can sue your landlord, but is it worth the time, cost and ruining the relationship?
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Hi there. Many thanks for responding. We’ve ended the tenancy due to this. In answer to your questions:
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Four months.
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Yes we were - but the huge cavity in the floor was covered by loose planks which were unstable and caused a risk anytime we wanted to use the hob/oven or access kitchen cupboards. Furthermore we were also asked to lift the planks exposing the floor to keep the cavity visible and aerate the area to dry the damp underneath. (Leak was caused by a corroded pipe by the way, not anything we did or didn’t do.)
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No. They weren’t proactive. This situation ran from beg of Dec 2023 & lasted until end of Apr 24. The floor was never restored to it’s original condition. We moved out in May '24. due to this situation and the fact she wanted to increase the rent following the withdrawal of compensation.
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It is worth it as there really is no longer a relationship to maintain.
If I do have a case, I will gladly pursue.
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Depends if you contributed to the problem….
I think you’re going to have a hard time pursuing this unless you can provide some kind of proof of the offer in writing. I’m assuming you don’t have any. If that’s the case, I’d simply move on and be thankful that you’re out of that… er… hole.
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We have two independent witnesses that heard her make the offer. I can ask them for statements.
As mentioned; it was a corroded copper pipe connection between the floorboards. Not caused by any action or inaction in our part.
I wasn’t clear in my message that I meant proof in writing from the LL. I might be wrong, but I’m not sure verbal statements like the ones you’re thinking of getting would be worth much in court. And although they might be willing to write statements, they might be very much less willing to appear in court. You’d have to speak to a solicitor who specialises in the PRS to see if you have a case.
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Assess the cost of taking advice and persuing it, against what amount of possible gain?
Is it worth the hassle? Could take months. Could make a landlord reference awkward.
Possibly I might speak to citizens advise or a free legal appointment, then write a polite letter to landlord asking for the promised ÂŁ x amount, remind landlord promise made with 2 witnesses. See what reply is?
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When you say Independent witnesses i am guessing they are friends that were in your property when the “offer” was allegedly made or someone you know in which case they are probably not technically classed as independent as they are classed as biased toward you
No.
1st witness was the landlords appointed tradesman & 2nd witness was the neighbour
from the flat below who was suffering from the leak.
Thank you. Very helpful & appreciate the advice.
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