Rental property, damp issues being dismissed by estate agent

[TonyRPH]

I hope this is the correct forum for this.

My son is renting a house, and is having issues with damp (even before the recent heavy rainfall).

He has attempted to address the issue with his letting agent, however the letting agent inspected the property, and promptly claimed the damp is being caused by the shower, and he accused my son and his partner of showering with the bathroom door open (which they do not) - and there is an extractor fan in the shower which works and is being used.

The bathroom is adjacent to the bedroom, separated by a small hallway, and the damp area is on the opposite wall.

Having inspected the property myself, I note that there is a large exterior crack, right where the wall is getting damp.

The letting agent is refusing to interact any further over the issue, and furthermore refuses to provide the house owner's details.

Finally - to my question - is there some kind of ombudsman or some other organisation my son could approach to resolve this issue?

The damp is that severe that it appears to be causing him and his partner health issues now.

TIA.

Edit: corrected spelling.

Edited by TonyRPH on Wednesday 27th January 09:43

[_dobbo_]

Looks like the agent is committing a criminal offence by not providing the landlord's contact details, assuming this random internet stranger is correct:

http://www.landlordlawblog.co.uk/2014/05/29/a-tena...

[Rangeroverover]

You can go onto the land registry and find out the owner for £3:00 then write to the owner. Meanwhile make sure when communicating you email the letting agent rather than phone calls then there is a record of your problems.

No Landlord wants continuing damage in their property

[beko1987]

We have this in the house we rent, the porch has a puddle when it rains, that comes in from the front door which doesnt fit very well.

It was sold recently with us as sitting tennants, the old owners were great, new ones are awful. Tiny critical repairs take forever, and the letting agent is terrible now. I think he sold them into the property with a few white lies, and doesn't want to suddenly ask them for authorisation of work.

His latest trick is telling us 'they will sell it, they don't want all this work'. To which I said good, let them sell. We keep pestering them.

Be interested to hear of any way we can complain though. Our agent is a franchise, and we talk to the franchise owner, so no higher point of contact, and I dont want any complaint I make to be dismissed by the owner and not get any further.

[TonyRPH]

beko1987 said:

<snip>
Be interested to hear of any way we can complain though. Our agent is a franchise, and we talk to the franchise owner, so no higher point of contact, and I dont want any complaint I make to be dismissed by the owner and not get any further.

That's interesting as my son's letting agent is also a franchise, which rhymes with French for goodbye (kind of!).

[jas xjr]

Get in touch with your local council. Not sure of the department. They will inspect the building and make the agent and landlord aware that they can carry out the repairs if not carried out in time.
My parents rent out a property and the agent did not pass on any concerns from the tenant.as soon as the council were involved, the agent forwarded the letter

[paintman]

If you are getting no response or satisfaction from your landlord and/or their agent then contact the local council housing department.
Couple of examples & 'how to' here:
http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/info/200365/private_h...
http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/article/29043/Pri...

Edited by paintman on Wednesday 27th January 12:53

[Countdown]

The links below may be of some use?

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/repairs_a...

http://www.setfords.co.uk/housing-disrepair-solici...