Mum just collected keys to new rental property - dirty, unsafe mess!

angelfire

Hi I’m in need of some advice please. My mum has today collected the keys to her new rental property (rented through an agent). Upon arrival at the property, it is absolutely filthy and really smells.

The furniture and possessions of the previous tenant are all still in situ (mum was told these would be moved before commencement of the tenancy), there are cupboard doors hanging off, it’s a real mess.

I have been on to the letting agent who is trying to get hold of the landlord – i have explained that they should not have handed over the keys if the property was not in a fit state to rent out. They have argued with me and stated that they checked it last night and it was satisfactory.

The gas fire in the lounge has no knob to turn it on or off and the agent stated “well it’s passed the test” – I’ve just checked the test sheet and it states do not use!

I am now awaiting a call from the agent to find out whats going on.

Can anyone point me in the right direction of where to go to get help/what to do please? I’m so upset for my Mum.

Thanks in advance

RAS

Do you have a local Housing Advisory Service? or a private rental officer at the local Council?

Has mum signed the tenancy agreement?

Is there a dual signed inventory? If so has mum ensured that the problems highlighted are listed on it?

angelfire

RAS wrote: »

Do you have a local Housing Advisory Service? or a private rental officer at the local Council?

Has mum signed the tenancy agreement?

Is there a dual signed inventory? If so has mum ensured that the problems highlighted are listed on it?

Hi, my Mum has signed the tenancy agreement, paid £550 bond a month ago and paid £450 rent this morning at the agents office when she collected the keys. at that point they were saying the landlord would "clear the belongings from the property when he can get a van".

I realise my mum has been stupid signing this agreement before checking everything is in order, but i need to know what to do now. Should she have been given the keys etc with a condemned gas fire?!

there is an inventory that does point out these issues yes and my mum has signed this too...

atush

Yes, she jumped the gun and should not have paid a penny.

Try to cancel the agreement and get her money back.

kazwookie

Get a camera and get plenty of photos of the place.

angelfire

kazwookie wrote: »

Get a camera and get plenty of photos of the place.

I have done this already and will type out a full report i'm just not sure where to go with this at all? they ahve £1000 of my Mum's money. mum has drive from North Wales (where she is supposed to be moving from next week), to this mess.

angelfire

atush wrote: »

Yes, she jumped the gun and should not have paid a penny.

Try to cancel the agreement and get her money back.

can she legally do this?

poppysarah

She needs to take photos of the state of the place.

Was she shown the gas safety certificate and an EPC?

angelfire

poppysarah wrote: »

She needs to take photos of the state of the place.

Was she shown the gas safety certificate and an EPC?

I've taken photos and have the certificate here, which clearly states that the gas fire has been isolated as it is not safe. My problem is I have absolutely no idea who to go to/call/anything about this?

ll123_2

you can't end the tenancy once keys have been handed over and money taken. contact shelter/council/citzens advice they will be able to advise you on what to do next

theartfullodger

Mum should write (yes, WRITE) - keep copy to landlord, copy agent, listing faults etc & either (if she wants this) ask to be released & money back or to get all faults fixed & comp[o if she's feeling like that.

Expect an unhelpful reply - any Landlord/agent allowing this to happen either doesn't give a stuff or is incompetent & useless,,