major problems with rented house

cobbingstones

Hi all

On Thursday we started our rental on our current property, which was advertised on Rightmove as a four bedroomed bungalow. On the Saturday we had friends over who could not believe that the agent had stated that the attic room was actually a bedroom. We now know that this room is totally unuseable as a bedroom because it has no means of escape in the case of fire. So our daughter is now sleeping in with her brother. We spoke to the landlord who confirmed that he always rents it out as a three bedroomed and agreed the fourth room is not to be used due to the fire risks. We then contacted the agents who firstly denied that it was advertised incorrectly, then very rudely said that they could not believe that we did not know it was not to be used as a room, even though the agent who showed us the property did not mention this. After a very heated discussion she (the manager) asked us what we wanted? When I asked for the company to pay our removal costs due to now having to move house again, she felt that was asking too much! She agreed to refund all costs that we have paid the company prior to the rental, but she felt we needed to hurry and find something else due to then 'enjoying the property' for longer than needed!!

Since moving in we have been freezing. There is an 1.5 inch gap in the sitting room window, the condensation is dreadful and sliver fish and wood lice are everywhere. The company stated that it had been professional cleaned in for six hours, which I find unbelivable. We have cleaned all the carpets, due the dirt left on them. And the kitchen and bathroooms were horrible.

We have contacted Trading Standards who agree that the agency was in breach of contract. So I then tried to speak to the area manager who was busy, so I called head office and tried to speak to a Director who again was too busy. I then e mailed our complaint, and received an e mail telling us to leave asap and sort the problem out with the local agents, who we are having the problems with.

I'm feeling beyond frustrated and so angry that we have to move our children again due to the fault of the rental agency. Even though property is not in good repair, we would of stayed and sorted out the problems.

Any help or advice would be very welcomed. Only online until 2.30pm today so please bear with me.

gazfocus

When you do a search on rightmove, it gives an option to search for 'let agreed' properties so you may be able to find the property on there and print the details for proof of misrepresentation.

cobbingstones

Thanks. Yes we made sure we had a copy! Lucky we did beacuse it came of Rightmove yesterday.

Fire_Fox

You cannot cancel a contract verbally, you must deal with this in writing by recorded delivery. Quote what was in the initial advert, what the landlord and trading standards have had to say. As your contract is with the landlord you must deal with him directly, the agent was acting on his behalf and so he is ultimately responsible. You have no legal relationship with the letting agent so simply go over their heads.