have you talked to the guy? I used to live in a converted house as well, and would occasionally commiserate about the sh!tty landlord (who I actually finally got a court date against! /hijack) with other tenants. Hell, maybe he's gotten a cold shower too, perhaps you guys can work something out
But one thing to threaten your landlord with is that aside from housing codes, etc. there are some very basic things that you are entitled to as well that are musts- HOT water, heating, and working plumbing
