Renting and landlord advice

[the_wave_rider]

My sister has been renting a property for the past 2 years. The house has gradually fell apart in the time she has been in there. For example the porch has not been tied into existing brick work and there is an inch gap at the top rendering the porch and front door useless.
The flat roof has leaked constantly for two years and the ceiling has collapsed which I repaired and fixed because he could not get it done. This was done at my cost.
She and her partner have had to replace flooring because of leaks and the mould has just trashed everything they have had in the house. Her little boys health has been affected as well so they have finally decided to move.

The landlord is now refusing to give them back their deposit. They have reported the condition of the house to the landlord and to the council on numerous occasions and neither have done anything. The council just does not seem to be interested.

I have advised my sister that all deposits should be paid into a government insured scheme now (I had to do this for my tennant)

There has never been any paperwork issued for the boiler of which I found out yesterday he made them pay half for the new boiler as they were living there and had no heating so they felt they did not have an option.

My sister is at the stage as is her bf where they just want out but being a landlord my self I want to nail this ^£*£*£^^" as he is ripping off my sister and also giving landlords a bad name

Any advice - legal that is as I have seriously thought about other methods :-)

[Craig1985]

Just stop paying the rent! Take him 3 months to get them evicted! Should get a little money back that way!

[the_wave_rider]

Too late they have already handed their notice and found somewhere else. They move at the end of March.

[ocean2211]

if they have picture and written evidence then take him to a small claims court u will be surprised how much judges are on your side against landlords especially when kids are involved

and as said above the deposit should be held by a 3rd party who decides if u get it back if the landlord still has it he is breaking the law

[alcutler]

I rent several houses out and all my tenants Bonds / Deposits are lodged with the DPS the Deposit Protection Service - who act as a go between if there are any disputes, As said above go down the path of the County Courts - very simple and inexpensive providing you can produce the evidence required, receipts etc. Sounds like they have some claim to the ownership of the boiler - I would be tempted to take my half with me when I moved out