carbon monoxide leek in rented house?

[laurenboyle]

we have been living in a private rented house for just over six months. our previous house mate was a plumber and advised us not to use out gar heating as there was black smoke coming out of the heater, staining the wall. he was not corgy registered so could not fix it himself. about three months ago we asked the landlord about the fires, and asked him to get it fixed as we had no heating we could safely use. the landlord said he would get it sorted, but kept making excuses saying his friend who was going to do it was away playing golf!! it has now been three months without heating. i rang the gas board myself and got them out, and they condemed the gas fire saying it should not be used and it was leaking carbon monoxide and could have seriously indangered our lives! now after may more calls and messages left for the landlord, he has changed his mobile number. i managed to get hold of his step dad, and he reluctantly said he would get the landlord to call us (this was three days ago now and still no phone call). the landlord told us that the yearly service on the gas fire was due in may! which was never done.

so i guess the question is, what can we do to get some heating as the landlord is being less than helpfull. the rent is due on the 22nd and we are reluctant to pay it. legally where do we stand?