Advice about letter received from letting agents

theartfullodger

Re..

I would like to highlight a couple of points that were raised.

We could not inspect one of the bedrooms as there were blackout curtains and no bulb present. I would ask that the bulb is replaced in preparation for the next inspection.

The property is extremely cluttered, therefore, I feel flooring etc is not being maintained to the correct standard. This is not to suggest how you should live, I am merely pointing out that there are some concerns in relation to how the property is being maintained'

It's signed by the lettings manager, who was not the person who did the inspection either.

I would write a polite, calm, letter thanking them for their contribution and advising them that you will live the way you choose to, & that if you wish to live in this way that is entirely your privilege & right. Cheeky monkeys!

As long as the place/contents are as per. inventory (less any fair wear 'n tear) come end of tenancy-checkout then (I am sure you don't) if you wish to live as in a pigsty or with no lightbulbs or in an immaculate, clean and spotless place then they are all valid options that any LA/LL commenting on is just their opinion.

Might also be worth adding anything they should have done but haven't (ie any list of faults, niggles or issues with the place they should have fixed).

The law under which they are entitled to "inspect" the place is the Landlord & Tenant Act 1985 Section 8 which says..

8 Implied terms as to fitness for human habitation

(1)In a contract to which this section applies for the letting of a house for human habitation there is implied, notwithstanding any stipulation to the contrary—
(a)a condition that the house is fit for human habitation at the commencement of the tenancy, and
(b)an undertaking that the house will be kept by the landlord fit for human habitation during the tenancy.
(2)The landlord, or a person authorised by him in writing, may at reasonable tinmes of the day, on giving 24 hours’ notice in writing to the tenant or occupier, enter premises to which this section applies for the purpose of viewing their state and condition.

So all they (or any other LL or LA) are really entitled to comment on is if the place is or isn't "fit for human habitation". e.g. The state of the flooring is irrelevant! The inspection is to give the Landlord the opportunity to check it is still fit-for-habitation and if not for the Landlord to fix it ( that the house will be kept by the landlord fit for human habitation during the tenancy ). I know most Letting Agents & Landlord take a different view that it gives them other rights: It doesn't!

Cheers!

Lodger (LL since 2000)

BoxerfanUK

If you are concerned about the carpets why don't you consider getting them professionally cleaned. Surely the cost of hiring a Rug doctor + chemicals plus taking a day off work + having your carpets wet for 2 days its not worth doing it yourself. We had our whole house done for 200 quid, no hassle and 10 times better than a rug doctor, which we had done ourselves once before.