Deadbeat Landlord

How can we hold our landlord accountable? We've been living in our house for two months and the landlord is extremely reluctant to sign a contract. He won't sort out issues with the house. He won't fix my window, won't fix my housemate's door, he won't furnish our rooms even though he advertised that the house would be properly furnished, he has us on PAYG heating and such is extremely expensive and all around awful. We call him and text him to drop by so we can fix the problems with the house. If he says he'll show up at four, he'll come at six-thirty if he shows us at all. Sometimes, we do actually get him to come over. However, he'll receive a phone call then briefly excuse himself and but doesn't return. He lives in Marble Arch and we live in Greenwich so it's not like he lives down the road.

So my housemate comes up to me today and says that she wants to move out because the living situation isn't working for her. She says she doesn't have a problem with the rest of the housemates, but is peeved about there being no legal binding with us and the house. She said she saw someone from a real estate agency taking photos of the house and worries that the reason the landlord doesn't want to sign a contract is because he wants to kick us out randomly in order to do his projects with the house. Honestly, I agree with her, the housing situation could be better if our landlord wouldn't be such a deadbeat.

So, what can we do? Our landlord isn't going to change, but I'm wondering if the house is salvageable and if we should try to leave before we actually do sign a contract.

 

What is it about this place that makes it better than what is available in your area?

My first landlord was a deadbeat and I walked away after being there only a few weeks. I've had 2 landlords since, both great.

What you are describing would be unacceptable to me. Is there a reason, besides the hassle, that you can't find somewhere else? Because it sounds like moving might be less of a hassle than this guy.

You can always get advice from shelter but frankly I would leave.  What do you think you are gaining by staying?