Rental property not registered

fatpigeon_2

I've paid a holding deposit (one week's rent) on a flat, move in date 25th Jan. When I called BT to ask how much it would cost to reconnect the lline (there is alredy a BT white box on the wall) they couldnt' find the flat listed and told me I'd have to pay for a new installation.
I checked the postcode on various sites and it seems that the flat, 34a, (and the two other flats in the building 34b and 34c) aren't listed anywhere.
Is this dodgy?
I would have thought that the other tenents would need phone lines and TV licences to be registered to their flats too.
I've called the agent as they let and manage the property but haven't heard back yet.
Is this a common problem, living somewhere that's not registered? Is it illegal?
I'nm really worried.

thesaint

Is the flat a new build?

These don't often show on some companies maps etc.
It is a case of BT et al saying "Computer says no".

fatpigeon_2

No, not newbuild at all. It's conversion in Crouch End, above some shops.
I think that it used to be a load of tiny studio rooms with shared bath and kitchen rooms and now it's been turned into studios with their own separate kitchens and bathrooms.
I was thinking, if the council gave planning approval for the change then perhaps they could tell me if it's in teh process of being registered?

specs_3

Give them a call if the agents aren't forthcoming.

scorpio_princess

Hi fatpigeon

Take a look at this thread

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=340092

I think it may offer some advice about your situation. Hope it helps!

fatpigeon_2

Just got off the phone with Haringey Council. The woman there said that it sounds as if the landlord hasn't registered the 3 flats so that he can still pay council tax as if it's 1 property. Council tax is included in the rent, so it makes sense.
He's basically defrauding the council and depriving the tennants of services so that he can make more money.
She offered to send an enquiry officer over to investigate but I said I'd wait for the agents to get back to me.
I really like the flat and want to live there, but only if it has a phone line! - should I wait untill I've signed the contract, paid full deposit etc before pressing the issue?
Why oh why do people have to be so greedy?! :mad: