Private landlord advice please ......

[tllm2]

My sister lives in a basement flat in a converted house - which she's been in happily for years and the other occupants of the other 2 flats were friendly enough etc

However, one of the neighbours moved out and there has since been a long succession of (fairly short term) tenants in her tiny 1 bedroom flat.

The latest occupants are an asian family of 2 adults and 4 small children in a small 1 bedroom flat.

We know the flat was sold on privately, but have no idea who the new owner/landlord is.

The flat is obviously seriously overcrowded. Does anyone know if there is a particular Dept. at the Council perhaps, who I can report the Landlord to - as knowingly renting out the flat to such a large family? (The family themselves don't seem to want to rock the boat).

[firstchoicegary]

What council borough is it ? I rent out two properties have done since 2006 and have come across many issues concerning tenants. Do you know who the new landlord is ? If not you can search land registry to find out for a small fee I believe. Is the issue with large family a noise issue ? Can PM me if you like to discuss in more detail

Gary

[tllm2]

Its Lewisham Council. No idea of who the new owner/landlord is. They are noisy, but presumably no noiser than other families of 6 (don't really have much to compare to) and the noise is probably compounded by them being crammed into such a small flat. It does mean that there are bikes and prams in the hallway, toys spilling out into the communal areas and probably not enough space to swing a cat ....... It can't be healthy/right for the children.

[firstchoicegary]

Well Lewisham council have a department in the town hall in catford by the theatre try them for information. They communial areas should be free of any obstructions due to fire risks.

[Blah Blah]

As shocking as it will sound, if the children are under ten, the flat is possibly not overcrowded in legal terms, depending on the size of the rooms.

http://www.pendle.gov.uk/info/10084/private_landlords/1043/renting_from_a_private_landlord_tenant_advice/8

[firstchoicegary]

Even it is a one bedroom ???

[Cedges]

Assuming the rooms are of smallish but not tiny size and there is 1 living room and 1 bedroom and 3 of the kids are aged 1-10 - they would count as 3.5 persons in rooms meant for a maximum of 3. So still overcrowded.

What the answer is however, I don't know. Do social services/healthworkes get involved in this sort of matter?