Problem with carpets in new rented property

Miss_Money_Penny-less

Hi. I signed for a private rented house at the end of last month, paid deposits and 1 months rent in advance. Over the last bank hol weekend I set about cleaning it ready to move in and discovered that the carpets in two reception and 2 beds are disintergrating - the sandy pile was all over my young children and filled up my vaccum cylinder, not nice at all.

I spoke to the LA sent photos and met with the LL 2 weeks ago. My ex husband told him that he would provide all flooring at trade price and fit everything free of charge to minimise costs. He seemed happy with this and said he wanted to cut out the LA as they had already put an extra £150 on our estimated price for flooring down stairs. I emailed him the price which is well below the monthly rent price. and I still haven't heard anything. The letting agent confirmed that they had received the prices but he needs to check with the other people in the loop.

I have found out that the people who put the carpets down were the previous tenants who lived there for 5 years and move out 2 years ago. The house has been empty since then and on the rental market for a year with no interest until mug here decided to take it on.

Because of this I haven't been able to move in as I am not having my children at risk from this, It seems really unhealthy. If it were up to me I would pay for it myself but I really dont have the money at the moment, having paid out on the expenses.

If they gave me my rent back for May as I haven't been able to move in, I would do it myself, but they are being quite evasive.

Generally the house is a S**t hole. Old metal windows not opening, gaps where some wont close properly, Peeling paint nearly everywhere, no central heating, newly revamped thistle garden, soot coming down the chimney dailey. BUT I love the location and I know what it is and I dont want them to fully renovate it or change the windows.

I dont know what to do. I dont want to sour the relationship with LL or LA but I feel I am being backed into a corner. Please help any advice welcome!!!

x

beecher

I don't really get this. It sounds a really unsuitable place for children due to no heating, windows which don't close, soot coming down the chimney - I'd think the carpet would be the least of my issues if I were you.

Miss_Money_Penny-less

I hear what you are saying, but I have only signed to a 6 month agreement and we are coming up to the summer months, so hopefully should be warm. I can get materials at trade and so if I decide I like it I am hoping to agree on some major improvements and if an agreement cant be made, the house will be back on the rental market.

Catblue

I also don't really understand when tenants say "Well, when I first viewed the house it was dilapidated, unsafe and dirty so I paid the deposit and the first month's rent". :rolleyes:

The LL and LA truly do not care about the state of the place - that is reflected in the fact that they have done no repairs. You cannot make them care. Now that they have your money coming in, there is no incentive for them to do any works at all. You've offered the LL the cheapest deal that he will get for carpet replacement and the LL still won't pay for it.

He certainly won't pay for these "major improvements" that you have in mind. I think you have made a costly mistake here but as you say you are only obliged to stay for six months.

Next time you are viewing a house, reject every single one that has even small signs of disrepair or is dirty. You deserve better.

Miss_Money_Penny-less

Thanks Catblue. I feel like a right mug Its my first time renting and I got carried away with the location and now I think I am going to pay for it! Oh well only 5 months left!

x

Catblue

Miss_Money_Penny-less wrote: »

Thanks Catblue. I feel like a right mug Its my first time renting and I got carried away with the location and now I think I am going to pay for it! Oh well only 5 months left!

x

Don't be hard too on yourself - it is an easy mistake to make when you rent for the first time. Often people are so anxious to get a roof over their head that they don't really look closely at the repair issues or believe the LL when he promises that certain jobs will be done. However, I really don't think that LL is going to come up trumps for you so maybe just make the best of it for now.

Could you lift up the carpets and just have bare floorboards with a couple of rugs for now? You can put the carpets back at the end of the tenancy. Do not spend any of your own money on this house.

Give it three months and then start looking for a new place that you can move into at the end of this tenancy. Even if you didn't have the other problems, the lack of central heating and some windows not closing would make it very hard to survive a winter there without spending a fortune on heating. The LL is going to find it very difficult to let a house like that going into the winter and it serves him right.

You've already learned from this, so you won't make the same mistake twice.

estelle123

Miss money penny-less
Dont feel like a mug, the houses i have have looked at are not fit for human habition and the right location when you have kids is very important.
Totally agree with catblue.
Dont be so hard on yourself.
My be we should name and shame this scumbags who take the pi** an think just because we rent doesnt mean we live in sh**holes.

poppysarah

Speak to the private sector housing team at the local council on Tuesday and see how they can assist you.

JanCee

Don't spend one penny of your own money on this house. It is not up to you to bring it up to standard, that is the LL's responsibility. Your mistake was signing up to it in the first place. There will be better places out there, just be more choosy next time.

BlameTheGame

I bet the rent is cheap though and reflects the state of the property.

Miss_Money_Penny-less

Hi Guys, thanks for all of your comments! I have received an email this evening to say that they are going to pay for the carpets! was going to get the PSHT on Tues but now I don't need to bother! Yay, moaning done for now, you have been a great help! :beer: