Can my tenants reduce their rent?

In a nutshell - no. You have done more than most landlords would have done by providing electric rads. Cave in this time and every time there is a power cut, water cut off, etc they will be onto you for a refund. I would politely explain that you have no control over when boilers break down- although you do have control over the speed of repair. If they have been in for some time without a rent increase I would point that out to them. That normally shuts them up.

You should charge them for fiddling with the boiler knobs in the first place.
Why don't you sacrifice one of your kids at the same time?

I've just been told by a tenant of debatable character, that he won't be paying rent until I have a fire door replaced that he omitted to tell me was smashed by the Police, when he refused to open the door to them.

This was after he robbed and assaulted a shop keeper!

Your tenants need taking to one side, while you get a dog to hump their leg, whilst you explain that things break down from time to time.

I think it's about time that Landlords get more vocal about being mugged by opportunistic tenants and politicians.

Reply to the comment left by "Gary Dully" at "04/04/2016 - 23:42":

That really was a laugh out loud comment, Gary.
As you say, they are really taking the piss. A few days to get a new boiler fitted is incredibly fast. They should be grateful they have such a professional landlord. And give an inch and they will take a mile.

Hi Janet

You will see from others that the proper answer is no. This comes up with us from time to time and most tenants are understanding. We had a boiler fail on Easter Saturday and an engineer attendef the same day; it went again on the Sunday and was beyond repair. It was replaced by the Friday. Tenant was very accepting.

As a house owner I have often had boiler failures myself and there is no magic answer - I don't know why tenants think that landlords are invincible. Even us good guys cannot magic new boilers (and contractors and sometimes joiners or electricians).

On occasions I have given tenants vouchers for a local restaurant as a goodwill gesture - this is usually appreciated, especially by people who've had no hot water for a few days! In winter we try to supply some electric radiators.

Finally, combi boilers cause us the biggest problems as the tenant as no hot water. At least with a tank you can use the immersion heater.

Graham

Thanks for your replies some quite comical indeed. Really felt it was taking the mick when after doing so much so quickly for them they felt they were due a rent reduction. I did dig my heals in and said politely I was already totally out of pocket by over £1500. She (who gets 45% of rent paid in housing benefit) has had 3 leaking rads since the new boiler was put in and I am arranging for those to be replaced also. I'm not a magician but do what I can as quickly as contractors will allow. I had been ragging them to dispose of some rubbish around the outside of the property so as a goodwill gesture I disposed of it for them with not even a thank you. Some folks you just can't please. I wondered if I have any problems getting the rent in future can I let the Council know as they are paying them benefits towards the rent? Or should I ask to have the housing benefit paid direct to me? Appreciate your comments.
Janet

Janet there are a lot of landlords far more experienced than me in housing benefit tenants. But from my meagre knowledge in this area they will not pay direct until arrears reach 8 weeks.Or they sign forms to accept an inability to manage their finances. And combi boilers operate at higher pressures than vented systems that's why the rads have sprung leaks. Ask the tenant if she was going to pass 45% of the requested rent reduction onto Housing Benefit...I think I know the answer ?

Suggest you decline their request, and put up the rent to cover the cost of the new boiler.