Draughty Windows – Landlord SOS

Draughty Windows – Landlord SOS

16:00 PM, 15th February 2013, About 11 years ago 54

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Draughty Windows - Landlord SOSMy tenant has complained about draughty windows and vents. I put draught seal on the windows but there wasn’t anything I could do about the vents as they are there to prevent damp etc.

My tenant has now got back to the letting agent informing them that the windows are still draughty and that she is holding back the rent.

I have checked the energy performance certificate and it states the windows are efficient, giving an over all grade C for energy efficiency for the property.

My letting agent has now informed me that even though the windows are suitable on the EPC there is no detail if the fixtures and fittings which the double glazing windows come under and that the tenant is within her rights not to pay.

This is the second winter my tenant has been in the property.

I had no complaints from her last year about the house being cold.

The tenant has stated she spends £10 per day on heating but pays a meter so there is no proof.

We both arranged for an energy efficiency care company to come into the flat and give her advise on saving energy and to make any insulations necessary.

The tenant was sent a letter to organise a visit from them but she has not contacted them.

Can you please advise, I have had problems with tenants not paying rent before (due to money issues) and its a nightmare.

Many thanks

Leigh


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Comments

Jim Bauld

21:18 PM, 20th February 2013, About 11 years ago

I did say that I wasn't disagreeing with the general views!!

But the original post mentions winows ......plural

I had understood the house to be in Scotland.If so the 1985 Act will have no force and the repairing standard in the Housing (Scotlandy) Act 2006 will apply...and the interpretation of the phrase "reasonably fit for human habitation" will still nod towards Summers and subsequent Scottish cases

15:15 PM, 23rd February 2013, About 11 years ago

Hello everyone, Id like to thank you all for your advice, I have learnt a lot.

I had a contractor to inspect the windows and I have been advised that the windows are not draughty it is in fact the vents which can't be sealed due to safety reasons, FULL STOP. All this hassle for nothing, I informed the agent and the tenant weeks ago that it was the vents and that there was nothing I could do about that. The tenant has paid her rent in full. I will be terminating my contract with the agency as soon as I am back in the UK. Any tips on how to find a good agent anyone?

Thanks again Leigh

Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

17:11 PM, 23rd February 2013, About 11 years ago

Hi Leigh

If you have a look at the navigation bar at the top of our website you will see a section called Lettings. Hover over that and you will get a dropdown menu. The bottom dropdown is a guide to choosing a good letting agent. Also check out the first page on that dropdown "Full Property Management".

Industry Observer

16:08 PM, 24th February 2013, About 11 years ago

Leigh any suitably qualified and experieinced uPVC window fitter can sort out any vent problem for you. Whether it be fitting one where none exists, improving or adapting an existing one to make it 'legal' and compliant, repair or replacement.

New vents come with an opening flap that can be closed in colder weather but yet are still legal and will allow enough inward airflow.

18:03 PM, 24th February 2013, About 11 years ago

Thank you, sorry I should have explained, it is vents in the walls, they are in every room.

9:26 AM, 25th February 2013, About 11 years ago

Hi Leigh

We will supply you by email a list of accredited landlords which have signed up to a set of property and tenancy management standards via Landlord Accreditation Scotland. Hope this helps but call us if you need any more information on this. 0131 564 0100

Best wishes from all at SAL.

11:08 AM, 25th February 2013, About 11 years ago

Thanks Mark, I am looking forward to getting back to Scotland and sorting this all out..

11:10 AM, 25th February 2013, About 11 years ago

Many thanks, I will look into this, there is two on the list I can look into.

18:49 PM, 28th February 2013, About 11 years ago

I feel exhausted having read this never ending saga.
I think I agree with Paddy

Neil HEWITT

17:14 PM, 1st March 2013, About 11 years ago

The tenant is trying it on, the windows as 'average' on the EPC will be pre 2002 double glazing ie. they do not have low emissivity coating.
Therefore, as more than ten years old, the seals could have gone, however, a bit of fresh air may do the tenant good. The latest EPC can allow the assessor to include or exclude darughtproofing, however, double glazing normally has a default of draughtproofing. Also, the EPC does not state if that exists or not, and it may only make a tiny bit of difference to the SAP.
Even double glazed windows may feel draughty, not due to a draught coming in, but simply due to the temperature differential on a very cold day.
Upgrade seals on windows, as your local council housing team may consider this.
A 'C' rating for SAP is good.

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