Decanted by landlord for repairs?

Decanted by landlord for repairs?

10:07 AM, 24th May 2017, About 7 years ago 6

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Hi all, a bit complicated, I will try to explain the best I can.

13 March, I am decanted in a different property because repairs and improvements has to be carried out, I signed a (TAA) Temporary Accommodation Agreement, which states my housing agrees: 1. Not to change any rent or use and occupation charges for the temporary accommodation. 2. To allow the tenant/s to return to the permanent address when the repair/ improvement works are completed.,

29 March I received a letter from my housings Acting Director of Property which clearly states,
Accountability – I have made clear to each of the individuals working at your home that they are accountable for ensuring the work is completed to a satisfactorily an that they maintain our code of conduct at all times.

Putting things right – The trades Supervisor, will ensure all works are completed to a satisfactory standard before you move back into your flat .

My housing are claiming 19 May “We have saying that we have done all the work and his home is fit for him to move back into. There is only the privacy screen we haven’t carried out, however we will only do that after he has moved back into his permanent address “[sic]

The privacy screen refers to the divider between the main entrance door and the living room, which my housing demolished, which is a multi purpose, Privacy / Storage / Sound Buffer / Draught Excluder..

18 April I had an on site meeting with my housing and my local councillor, where my housing had admitted the works are not complete, after they tried to force me back in from 14 April.

21 April a letter from my housing states “The repairs have now been completed and your home is ready for occupation.

28 April on my housings own letter headed paper, they sent me a (NTQ) Notice To Quit the property I have been decanted into, which expires on 29 May.

02 May Via email, my permanent address is still under “Authorised Personnel Only”.

The divider is major works, which will create a load of dust etc, which will make me ill, which is part reason they decanted me in the first instance, the other was because it was causing to much stress.

The divider falls under the (WHQS) Welsh Housing Quality Standard and my landlords refusal to reinstate it or a suitable replacement, until after I move back in is beyond my moral compass, that is for sure.

Section 7.3 clearly states “3(c) Is the living room separated from the main entrance door (Secondary)?
The main entrance door should not open directly into the living room. The provision of a lobby area in a living room entered directly by the front door will cut down on unnecessary heat loss.”

They were paying for a storage facility, now they have removed me from the contract and telling me I have to pay the invoice, but the storage company wont let me as I have been removed, without my prior notification or consultation.

Now they have decided to suspend my (HB) Housing Benefit, from 19 May 2017, although the (NTQ) does not expire until 29 May 2017 and the works are not completed for me to move back in.

Legally where do I stand in all this.

Where can I get legal help, that does not cost a fortune as I am currently between work at the moment and struggling as it is, as I have to still pay Gas and Electric in my permanent address as well as in here.

Thank you for taking the time to look at this, I really appreciate it.

Ray


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Comments

Jon Lloyd

15:20 PM, 24th May 2017, About 7 years ago

Hi Ray

I am sorry to hear of your troubles.

Perhaps Shelter could offer some advice - or I would contact Duncan Lewis solicitors. They accept legal aid so may be able to assist you based on your current circumstances.

All the best,
Jon

http://www.duncanlewis.co.uk

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/how_we_can_help/housing_advice_helpline

Welshdragon 1

9:35 AM, 27th May 2017, About 7 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "terry sullivan" at "27/05/2017 - 08:57":

Hi Jon,

Thank you, for your reply, i have been trying to get hold of the solicitors you mentioned, but the numbers on they're website need updating, for example, the number for their nearest branch to me has been discontinued.

Hi Terry,

For the record I am no "moron"

First of all my landlord demolished promised to replace it and have failed to do so.

The mere fact that the front door opening onto the living room is against legislation (to which I clearly mentioned in my opening post),

It is a "divider between the main entrance door and the living room, which my housing demolished, which is a multi purpose, Privacy / Storage / Sound Buffer / Draught Excluder.."

FYI

The divider falls under the (WHQS) Welsh Housing Quality Standard and my landlords refusal to reinstate it or a suitable replacement, until after I move back in is beyond my moral compass, that is for sure.

Section 7.3 clearly states “3(c) Is the living room separated from the main entrance door (Secondary)?
The main entrance door should not open directly into the living room. The provision of a lobby area in a living room entered directly by the front door will cut down on unnecessary heat loss.”

Source: http://wplink.co.uk/whqs/files/2011/10/The-Welsh-Housing-Quality-Standard-Revised-Guidance-2008.pdf

Jay James

9:56 AM, 27th May 2017, About 7 years ago

It sounds like you have a housing association or council as your landlord. If you had a private individual as your landlord, you would have been better off by virtue of them being far easier to bully (by tenants) and having to comply with more regulations than councils.

Jay James

10:00 AM, 27th May 2017, About 7 years ago

The lead story is so poorly written that the facts are not completely clear and I've had to deduce rather than read some of them.

H B

10:05 AM, 27th May 2017, About 7 years ago

Visit your citizens advice bureau for advice.

It is hard to give full advice here and I don't know if we have got 100% of the story.

Jay James

10:06 AM, 27th May 2017, About 7 years ago

Well said HB.

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