Unreasonable Student Landlord... And a broken bed

Wyndham

If there is obvious evidence of a previous repair, I think that will help your case? How long have you been in the property? Is this something you should have reasonably noticed before (such as when you were changing the bedsheets?) It really comes down to how much you want to argue.

I rented a property and a few months in realised the blind in the lounge was broken. I didn't tell the landlord at that point, and the damage wasn't on the inventory, but I knew I hadn't broken it. When I came to check out, they found it and wanted to charge me for it. I argued that it was broken when I moved in, and also said that I couldn't see how their previous check had missed it (to be honest, I was expecting them to miss it again, but they turned out to be competent this time!) In the end I got my full deposit back, so it can be worth arguing - but not always, and I wouldn't have done it if I wanted to stay at the property.

muddyl

Tell him you will replace it before you leave. Then keep an eye on the likes of freecycle, there's always plenty coming up on there.

ValHaller

If it does come to a deduction, argue no betterment. As the bed is partly made of cardboard, you could argue that its reasonable life is no more than 4 or 5 years and if it is not new, you would only be expected to pay for unexpired life. Take photos and do your research on prices of equivalent bases.

hazyjo

As above, just replace the frame/divan. Next to nothing second hand. Keep the mattress if you like, or buy new. Can always take the new one with you if you want to - if you have room to store the old one (prop up against wall in room?) and leave it behind when you leave.

Jx

DaftyDuck

I haven't seen anyone above mention photos - they may have done. Photograph the bed, the repair (several times) and, in case this goes to dispute, anyone else's bed that's repaired, mended chairs, crappy decor, etc. It'll all add to your evidence that the "furniture was brand new, bought from John Lewis", which may well be what LL states! Photograph, photograph. Also, write down who said/called when and what they said...

ceg1g09

Do I have any obligation to replace this bed with anything better? I'm not exactly made of money and if I am forced to replace a bed I don't know if I need to replace it with one of similar quality or better. Surely I only have the obligation to replace it with one the same because otherwise it's dealing with wear and tear which is his responsibility?

He maintained that a bed of my quality should cost £400, but that he was being generous and I could replace it with one for only £200. I wasn't really well enough to question him at the time - he came over when I was really unwell, told me what he had to say and left - but it's a cheap wooden frame with cardboard stretched over the top and canvas type fabric around the base. Doesn't seem to me like it would be worth £400...

DRP

ceg1g09 wrote: »

Do I have any obligation to replace this bed with anything better? I'm not exactly made of money and if I am forced to replace a bed I don't know if I need to replace it with one of similar quality or better. Surely I only have the obligation to replace it with one the same because otherwise it's dealing with wear and tear which is his responsibility?

see the above posts on 'betterment'.

you've already stated the bed is made of cardboard, so i doubt you need to buy a top-quality replacement.

Definitely go for a second hand option - a very quick google "double divan base" shows you can get one brand new for £99. So a 2nd-hand one would be el cheapo, next to nothing.

ceg1g09 wrote: »

He maintained that a bed of my quality should cost £400, but that he was being generous and I could replace it with one for only £200. I wasn't really well enough to question him at the time - he came over when I was really unwell, told me what he had to say and left - but it's a cheap wooden frame with cardboard stretched over the top and canvas type fabric around the base. Doesn't seem to me like it would be worth £400...

£400 my bum. Especially minus a mattress

do some research, take the photos, check the rest of the beds/furniture in the house and get back to him asap before he decides to spend £200 to buy one on your behalf.

pinkshoes

I thought you had to pay a proportion of the bed, depending on its age?

i.e a £200 bed should last for 10 years, so if it was already 9 years old, you should only pay 10% towards a new one, so £20.

I would look on Freecycle, and see if you can get a free one, or just replace the frame with something really cheap.

Take photos showing the frame was already broken and really old, as there is no way you should have to pay to replace it with something better!

ACG

You have been sleeping on it for however long. Its been fine.

I think this is one for you to replace, as for paying £200 that probably is unreasonable and i would just go and buy another for £80 or so from somewhere like http://www.thebedwarehousedirect.com/bed-frames.html

Im presuming its only the bed and not the mattress. In which case it shouldnt cost too much.

Robin_TBW

gumtree.co.uk