No heating in a rented house

[SlimRick]

We rent ( I know, very un-PH) a four bedroom house with a fairly old combi boiler. Parts for this boiler are rarely held in stock so when it develops a fault, it can be several days before a repair can be made.

First issue was the week before Christmas - 4 days without heating or hot water. Replacement part arrives and we have heat and hot water again 2 days before Christmas eve.

On Tuesday, the boiler failed again. No heating or hot water. Engineer has ordered the part but delivery is likely to be Monday.

Letting agent has delivered two oil filled radiators to heat a four bedroom house, with four occupants (two adults, one ten year old and one 18 month old). Last night the temperature in the rooms with the heaters was adequate but the rest of the house was bloody cold.

I've complained the the LA and their response is to deliver one more heater this evening. They have spoken to the owner of the property and he has stated that he cannot afford to replace the boiler.

Have they fulfilled their obligations?

[SlimRick]

So said:

Yes.

Concise.

[SlimRick]

DurianIceCream said:

Why would it be likely that this will be an ongoing problem?

This will be the second period of >4 days without heating or hot water in a two month period. It's fair to say that things will probably continue to break on a boiler that is around 20 years old.

[SlimRick]

DurianIceCream said:

Well what are you suggesting then? It broke twice, it got fixed twice. Does this meet your definition of a continuous cycle? Can you give real life examples of an item in a rented house breaking twice and being fixed twice resulting in a LL being found to be deficient?

Not fixed twice, still awaiting the second fix. It will be 6 days if the part arrives on Monday,

[SlimRick]

WinstonWolf said:

I'd buy a house of your own, then you can replace the boiler at your own expense if the current situation is unacceptable.

Congratulations, you win "tttiest reply of the thread" award.

[SlimRick]

Tyre Smoke said:

OP, could you answer my questions?

How long have you lived there?

We moved in May 2014, only other issue was when we first moved in and there was no hot water from time to time. This was fixed after 2 visits from an engineer.

Tyre Smoke said:

Would the boiler have to be replaced before the house could be re let if you moved out?

Probably not if it was functioning at the time it was let.

Edited by SlimRick on Friday 19th January 16:44

Edited by SlimRick on Friday 19th January 16:45

[SlimRick]

Coin Slot. said:

Op, what boiler brand and model is it?

It's a Worcester 24CDi - not sure of the age, but the two engineers that have visited did comment on it's "vintage".

[SlimRick]

Coin Slot. said:

My gas guys are due back in a min, I'll ask them their thoughts.

Thanks - two of the engineers who have visited have recommended its replacement to the lettings agency...but they would do wouldn't they!

[SlimRick]

Coin Slot. said:

Do you know what parts they ordered?

First time was a fan at the top of the boiler, not sure what has been ordered this time. No attempt at ignition when the boiler s turned on, and the radiator light flashes at a rate of approx 1 per second.