i have 50% of a shared ownership apartment with a housing association. when i bought my share the association knew that i was in a wheelchair and said that a ramp could be put in the carpark so that i have easy access to my car, but now that i'm asking for it, they keep on saying that i saw the property before i bought it so i can't ask for alterations now. are theey breaking the law.
2007-03-20 23:00:06 · 7 answers · asked by ann-marie b 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
go to landlord tenant court or arbitration, remember--YOU HAVE RIGHTS TOO.
2007-03-20 23:03:48 · answer #1 · answered by Billie R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the ramp was in the contract for buying your share of the flat, then you can pursue them over breach of contract.
Even if it was not in the contract, you can make the request under the Disability Discrimination Act which requires reasonable access to premises & services.
It all depends on what is 'reasonable' in this case. Do you have a designated parking space - if so it seems reasonable that it should be accessible. On the other hand if you have been offered a parking space outside the car park then requesting a ramp into the car park as well might not be reasonable - it all depends on the circumstances.
It may be worth contacting your local councillor(s), the tenants' reps on the HA board, and the local Disability Action group who can all help put pressure on the HA to do the right thing.
NB check your purchase contract, you may be liable for 50% of the costs of any improvements.
Good luck
2007-03-20 23:23:03 · answer #2 · answered by Bridget F 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well i think the problem is that you didn't have it written in the contract that they would put the wheel chair ramp in for you. They sound like very unethical people, but they're not breaking the law. I don't know where you live, but here in the USA some such places are REQUIRED by law to install things like ramps for handicapped people. You might contact some of your local government offices and find out what the law is in your area. good luck!
2007-03-20 23:07:38 · answer #3 · answered by JEANNE B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could visit www.cag.co.uk (Consumer Action Group) or your local Citizens Advice Bureau to see if there is anything you can do.
If you start threatening your landlord with solicitors, particularly in writing, they will often be prompted to act (whether they are breaking the law or not). You don't have to follow this through with court.
There may eve be a charity you could get finacnial help from to either install the ramp or pay court costs.
Good Luck!
2007-03-20 23:14:19 · answer #4 · answered by TeeVee 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi babe, a verbal agreement can sometimes be binding, did u have any witnesses to any such conversations? anyway as above contact the CAB, they will put you right. I think they have to provide reasonable acess for you and the wheelchair. Best regards Dave.
2007-03-20 23:17:08 · answer #5 · answered by just-dave 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Seek professional advice about your situation rather than relying on the postings. Contact your local Citizens Advice department.
http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/getadvice
2007-03-20 23:09:15 · answer #6 · answered by flymetothemoon279 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
do you have anything in writing, if not it sounds like a lost cause. sorry.
2007-03-20 23:04:03 · answer #7 · answered by Trev23 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋