How would I go about asking for a reduction in my rent from my landlord? I have just found out that due to the damp in my room (Its really bad and my bedroom is downstairs) they are coming to take all the plaster off my wall and then replaster and paint the wall- taking three weeks in total.

How messy is this going to be? And could I ask for a reduction? :help:!!

It'll be very dusty indeed.

Not sure you'll get any reduction at all.

No harm in asking but I wouldnt have thought you wuld be able to get a reduction, especially if it is let through a letting agent!

If you dont ask you wont get

You need to ask if you can have some alternative accommodation for the time the work is being done! Taking all the plaster off the walls is a very messy job (we've had to do it in two room so far) and then once it's re-plastered the room is going to feel very damp for quite a few days - especially in this weather. Plaster needs to dry out naturally and although the temptation is to put the heating on, you shouldn't really do this. Honestly, in this weather you can't be expected to sleep in a room until the plaster has dried through.

Have a chat with your landlord or letting agent, they should know it's going to be unreasonable to expect you to sleep in a room while it's being done.

We let some property and wouldn't even consider asking the tenant to remain in the room if it was being re-plastered. They really must move you to another room at the very least. The health risks to yourself should be your main concern. Take lots of photographs and conatact the Citizens Advice or the Housing Department at the Town Hall.

ask your lanlord to provide an industrial de-humidifier to dry the room out while the plaster is drying. Three weeks seems a long time to replaster and decorate a room.

PEOPLE. The Sheffield City Council has a duty under the Housing Act 2004 which came into action on 10th April 2006 - to assist you in getting repairs done and they can enforce proceddings against landlords who do not do the repairs. Do not be put off - the law states that the Council has a duty to you the tenant. If you have to stay elsewhere while the work is being done you can pay for that and deduct it from the rent. If you are in doubt see a solicitor. Sheffield City COuncil - Private Housing Standards 0114 2734680.