think i might try the only pay 80% rent till its fixed, I was told by the old girl that i can ring some rental agency (probably the one in the link a few posts back) who can tell me what my rights are as a tenant. I was thinking of not paying rent at all till it was fixed, don't want it to kick me in the bum and ruin my credit rating though!
Now its summer, I can handle a cold shower, hence why im willing to destroy now rather than in winter. + if i do it the day before i fly out, its just the housemates that have to deal with it...