johny
25-02-2008, 07:07 AM
The flat I'm living in is in seriously bad conditions, e.g. bad damp, overwhelming mold, which is lying under the carpet (so impossible to notice during the viewing) and of which I was not informed prior to moving into the flat. I'm considering withholding rent until the conditions are repaired, which I otherwise wouldn't expect to happen soon, as the landlord is rarely in the country and he doesn't seem too bothered, claiming it'll take him a lot of time b/c he needs to consult many parties. The agency, which I rented through and which still collects rent, advised I could not withhold rent unless the property is deemed "unfit for habitation." Generally, they seem to stand on the landlord's side, which is probably not that surprising, as they get more money from landlords.
However, how is the "unfit for habitation" exactly defined? Looking at various housing acts, I found that the term was once defined, but then replaced by the vaious degrees of health and safety grades in Housing Act 2004. Still, it doesn't say which degrees replace the previous term.
Can anybody point out the precise definitions or common interpretations? And generally, under which conditions and what legal acts can I withhold paying rent? Any comments appreciated.
However, how is the "unfit for habitation" exactly defined? Looking at various housing acts, I found that the term was once defined, but then replaced by the vaious degrees of health and safety grades in Housing Act 2004. Still, it doesn't say which degrees replace the previous term.
Can anybody point out the precise definitions or common interpretations? And generally, under which conditions and what legal acts can I withhold paying rent? Any comments appreciated.