Rented Flat Repairs

[Swanny86uk]

I live in a downstairs flat with a backyard. Due to recent freak weather the back gate became semi-detached from the wall damaging both the brickwork and the gate. After numerous phone calls to the letting agency they sent a worker round to remove the gate. He then promised to return with a solution. 4 weeks later and 5 phone calls later they have yet to send anyone round to fix the gate.

I have read up on what landlords are required to repair on their letted property. One of these requirements was "The structure and exterior of the premises, including drains, gutters and any external pipes." Would this gate repair be situated in "The structure and exterior" of the premises ? If not would the fact that without a gate there is direct access to entrances/exits to the flat, which could pose a security threat, after all I don't want people seeing my caveman-esque stretches at 9am in the morning.

Any info on what courses of action I could take would be great !

[Twenty20]

9am? You should be up and out by that time!

Write a letter to the Agent giving them 7 days to remedy the situation after which you'll get a few quotes and use the cheapest one to get the work done and deduct from the rent the following month.

[Swanny86uk]

Yeh that sounds like a good plan.

Thanks for the info !

[Mob]

By all means write to your landlord threatening that you intend to get the repairs done and send them the bill, but under no circumstances withold your rent as they can apply to the courts to have you evicted for non payment. Try getting in touch with your local authority's Environmental Health Dept. to see if there is anything they can do to make the landlord carry out the necessary work.