what to do about deadbeat landlord?

We have been having a problem over the past month with a foul smell coming from one of our walls. At first we thought it was a dead animal, but the fluctuating nature of the smell suggests that it's a sewage pipe or similar.

We have been complaining to our landlord, which is a huge management company, and they have not only done nothing, they are now avoiding us. They have stopped responding to emails and voicemails, and we have found out that 3 other flats in our building have the same problem and everyone is being told a different story and being given the runaround.

We are paying a small fortune for this place and feel that it is their duty to fix the problem and that we SHOULD get financial compensation for living in a flat that reeks (though we haven't mentionted that bit to them!). We have to keep windows open and turn up the heat, which is ridiculous as well as costly to us. We also think if there are dead animals or sewage in our wall that this is a health and saftey issue.

We're getting nowhere with the landlord. What are our options at this point? It just drives me nuts the way companies in the UK treat their customers. You should hear the epic story of our dealings with EDF Energy - but I will let it go and just take a deep breath (of sewage gas) instead!  Sorry, just really aggravated - any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Hiya

Speak to your neighbours and document everything you can so far, it'd be great to get copies of letters, the dates sent and any telephone calls made, and people you've spoken to at the management company.

don't stop paying the rent, that'll lead to allsorts of extra hassles and gives 'them' ammunition against you. Press ahead and I'd also suggest you all appoint a soilicitor to get some legal advice as well.

You may wish to get the place inspected at your cost, to prove once ad for all what's causing the smell. If it turns out it's negligent of the management company, you can ask for compensation for the costs and the extra heating costs etc etc.

Be aware though, it may turn out to be something the management company are not liable for as well in which case it'll become more of a complex issue - althoughchances of that are pretty small from the symptoms you describe.

You basically just have to run through the usual motions and procedures - and they are going to test your patience, but as ever, contracts and legislation are in place for situations like this so at least you have some recourse to follow.

Good luck in getting this sorted!

Cheers! DtM! West London & Slough UK!

I would say that this could be an issue for the environmental health department of the local council.  Perhaps a formal letter, sent by recorded delivery, to the landlord informing them of your intention to contact the council will help push them towards doing something.

Vicky

I would say that this could be an issue for the environmental health department of the local council.  Perhaps a formal letter, sent by recorded delivery, to the landlord informing them of your intention to contact the council will help push them towards doing something.

Vicky

I would agree with this approach. Either way, the EH Team will make sure it gets sorted via your landlord or the local authorities.