Difficult Landlord

kabouter · Joined: 03 May 2006 Posts: 2

Hi all

I need some information. We recently moved into a flat. We saw the place a month before the advertised move in date, and they were busy renovating the place. On various occasions, i asked the landlord if the place will be finished by the 14th of April. Everytime she confirmed this. When we eventually moved in, the bathrooms hasn't been finished, the kitchen needed some work, and the conservatory (which we have been told will be a lounge), was full of building rubble. We can't use the garden, because the rubble is lying there as well. We have been here for almost a month, and only the kitchen has been finished in this time. They keep on postponing the rest of the work. the place has been advertised as excellent condition, and freshly painted. and it is not! is there anything we can do legally? we have signed the contract, because they promised to get the work done, but it hasn't. they made a copy of the contract we signed, and i noticed that some of the things has been changed, and the page were we have signed, has been put at the back of this amended contract. we haven't agreed to any of this!

Janeg26 · Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 14 Location: London

Unfortunately it seems to be the way in this country. You have to be very firm & no exactly what you're getting yourself into from the beginning. We've had 2 rental properties here & have had trouble with both, I'm not sure of the legal rights. Keep hounding the agents/landlord or stop paying rent until they fix it up. It's a disgrace what they can get away with.

d(d) · Joined: 03 May 2006 Posts: 4127

eve · Joined: 24 Mar 2006 Posts: 8

I would read what they added to the contact so in the future you wont be unpesantly surprised ..
Do you have your copy of the contract ?
You should have right for discount of rent until they fix it. Also you can retreat from the contrct because as flat is not in the condiction agreed ...
I would also send him letter (registered - for your proof) informing him that the condiction of flat is not what was agreed and that u demanding to put it into suitable condiction.... (you can finish it on your expences and then demand compansation into certain time -i would not really do it )....
....if not you have right to put an action in court..
I supossed that what they done with contract illegal..think how you can proof that they change it not you...

What is usually working is when you incuded in the letter that there is [color=red]suspicion [/color]that with their activity/inactivity (changing contract without the conset of other side) was fullfil the subject-matter of criminal offence ...just to scare them Smile

Pennant The Tenant · Joined: 25 Mar 2006 Posts: 425

I dont actually believe you moved into the property even though you saw for yourself it was no where near finished.

Bluey · Community Moderator Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Posts: 4739

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

Contrary to the earlier posts, tenants do not enjoy all the rights compared with Landlords and witholding the rent, for whatever reason, can have serious consequences for you despite the Landlord's obvious failure to comply with their obligations.

"You do not have the right to withhold the rent if you do the landlord might try to evict you rather than do the work....Most tenants can be evicted if rent arrears build up, regardless of why the rent arrears exist."

http://england.shelter.org.uk/advice/advice-4081.cfm

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/family_parent/housing/disrepair_in_rented_accommodation.htm#Taking_action_about_disrepair

The next time you rent, get a guide about being a tenant and Landlord's responsibilities so that you reduce the risk of being exploited again.

honestguy · Joined: 05 May 2006 Posts: 15

Sorry to hear about your unpleasant experience with the landlady.

Unfortunately this is a very common occurence when renting in this country. I worked as an estate agent in the past and left because I couldnt screw over people like they told me to.

My advice would be, take photographical evidence of everything. What was the name of the agency that let the flat to you? On your contract does it say its regulated by ARLA or NAEA? If it does call them up for advice. http://www.naea.co.uk/ and http://www.arla.co.uk/

Rarely do landlords ever pursue tenants that have left the property before the contract has ended. If you really are at your wits end and have exhausted all means to get it resolved through the agency or landlord, withhold your rent and when you have used up your 1month deposit, move out. However this is not the norm, its just one option. I have done it in the past in a similar situation.

Pennant The Tenant · Joined: 25 Mar 2006 Posts: 425

honestguy · Joined: 05 May 2006 Posts: 15

fight fire with fire i saw...

and pennant you convieniently overlooked the point where i mentioned "if you have exhausted all other methods"

kabouter · Joined: 03 May 2006 Posts: 2