Landlord Retaining Key after fire

[Brostafarian]

My brother is on a AST tenancy and last November (2020) he had a fire in the flat caused by a chip pan. The fire brigade were called and the flat was ruined with smoke and water damage. My brother is couch surfing between friends and family since then. His landlord has changed the locks and refuses to give him the key. The rent has continued to be paid by the DHS. His reason is that he needs a grant to install gas central heating and new electrics. Can anyone advise on what my brother can do here and what his rights are also how to enforce them. TIA.

[DoricPixie]

Has your brother approached the council about temporary housing?

The landlord could prevent your brother from entering the property if it is unsafe. I’m not sure if that’s the case though from what you’ve written so I suggest your brother get in touch with Shelter.

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housi...p_after_a_fire

[theartfullodger]

My brother is on a AST tenancy and last November (2020) he had a fire in the flat caused by a chip pan. .............

err... no, caused by whoever failed to take care of/keep watch over chip pan.

[jpucng62]

I would've thought that if the rent continues to be paid the LL should be providing housing - certainly my insurance covers that.

[Brostafarian]

err... no, caused by whoever failed to take care of/keep watch over chip pan.

Not helpful but thanks for your time.

[DoricPixie]

I would've thought that if the rent continues to be paid the LL should be providing housing - certainly my insurance covers that.

Not necessarily. Check out the Shelter link in post #2.

[Hudson01]

I would've thought that if the rent continues to be paid the LL should be providing housing - certainly my insurance covers that.

Same here..... my LL insurance has alternative accomodation in it for just this sort of thing, why should the LL get rent for a property he cannot provide, its the reverse of a tenant living in a property but not paying rent.

[MdeB]

My brother is on a AST tenancy and last November (2020) he had a fire in the flat caused by a chip pan. .

My brother is couch surfing between friends and family since then.

He has been paying rent for over a year on a property he cannot access?

[bobthebuilder2]

rent somewhere else and take the landlord to court to claim back the rent paid.

[ash72]

If the fire happened in Nov 2020 - what is the T waiting for, especially if the T does not have access to the property, find somewhere else to live.

[Brostafarian]

He has been paying rent for over a year on a property he cannot access?

Yes as he is on benefits

[DoricPixie]

In January 2022 you said, "last November (2020)," so which November is it as last November when you posted would be November 2021 or do you mean two Novembers ago which would November 2020 as you wrote it in your opening post?

Has he, as I asked in an earlier post, approached the council about his current housing situation?

[MdeB]

Yes as he is on benefits

Then:

1. he is an idiot for waiting over a year to do anything about the situation.
2. he should contact appropriate people regarding the situation: Shelter, Citizen's Advice, and possibly a solicitor.