The ceiling in my flatmates bedroom has overnight developed a huge crack and water is coming in (soaked all of her floor, work, clothing etc.).

We can't get in touch with our agent (Tapton, see other thread for how useless!) as they are only in their office 10-3pm.

What can we do? Does anybody know who we can call? HELP :help:

A plumber there might be a leak.

no, surely not, you mean Tapton (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=48667&highlight=tapton) fail again?

this is most excellent news.

Considering the amount of rain that came down last night I would suggesst a roofer may be needed

You'll need to vacate the room. If the ceiling collapses, it will be a real mess. I've seen it happen. Get all your stuff out too. Large buckets will help stop any further water damage to rooms below. Hope this helps.

Don't Tapton have an emergancy out of hours number? Check your paperwork.

We rang the emergencycontact number... they can't do anything until they get word from Tapton :rant: :help:

Originally posted by Vini
We rang the emergencycontact number... they can't do anything until they get word from Tapton :rant: :help:

I would send them a letter straight away by recorded post. I think you have to wait 2 weeks and then you can have the work done yourself and bill them for it (I know you dont want to wait 2 weeks, but if the phone doesnt make them do it then you should send the letter now in case they still dont do it after repeated phone calls) Maybe you should try citizens advice bureau to get expert help so you can make them do the work ASAP?

As long as the room is in this state, and if it gets any worse i.e. the ceiling falls in, you are entitled to withhold rent until the problems are fixed.
Its classed as unfit to live in, and until it is, you are within your rights not to pay to live in squalor...

I was in the same position as you (practically), the ceiling caved in - what a mess. Was left with the ceiling like this for ages - then I called the environmental health who were going to come out, inspect and write to the landlord. He got his finger out when I told him they were coming round.

A guy has come to look at it this morning. He was the same guy that did some work for us a few weeks ago (see other thread for how great Tony is!!) and he said he'd told Tapton that there were tiles off on the roof :suspect:

Just had a phone call from Tony and he's coming back with a roofer this afternoon to fix it :)

We lurve Tony :)

glad you're getting it sorted but just in case it doesnt happen today, i cant stress enough how much mess is made if plaster ceilings come down, especially in older properties. its happened to me and it was only about a metre square bit of the ceiling that came down but it took a huge amount of cleaning.

Eeeek !!! Hope Tony can get it sorted for you today, more rain is forecast.

Good luck :thumbsup: