Tenancy start date pre-dates our access to property

cl290

We're currently in the final stages of agreeing a tenancy for a flat in London. The date the tenancy was originally supposed to start was 13 June, however due to a number of factors (involving a very laissez-faire estate agent), the contract will not be signed until today and we will only get access this afternoon, 16 June.

The estate agent, however, is insisting that any contract must be backdated and still start on 13 June, despite the fact that we had no access to the property until today, and that we would view him as at least partially responsible for the delays.

There's not a huge amount of money involved, but it seems unfair in principle. Given we don't even have theoretical access to the property yet, certainly no quiet enjoyment, is this legal?

Lazzza

Unless you're 100% at fault and changed the day, it's got to be a resounding no. What a weird request.

Also when was the check-in inspection done? You def don't want to be signing up before that was done and reported, plus liability for bills, council tax etc from the agreed date.

Makes absolutely no sense.

G_M

When you sign the tenancy agreement just cross out the start date, write in today's date, and initial it. Ideally there should be two copies so do this on both. Make sure you keep one, with the LL's/agent's signature on it.

Back-dating is an absurd suggestion!

Re the check-in inspection/inventory. If there isn't one, don't worry. That harms the LL more than you. If there is one, just make sure you check/agree the condition of the property as described before you sign. When the inspection is done is irrelevant. What matters is that it describes the property accurately on the day you move in.