Aggressive letting agent, mould problem.

gibson1

Hello all,

I was wondering if anyone can give me some advice. I have had to deal with a very unpleasant letting agent today,and have been struggling to control my temper.

My parents have been renting a small bungalow, my father has passed away a few months ago. I have found a new home for my mother and she will be moving in the next 2-3 months. In her present rented home, there is a mold issue in two of the rooms.

I called the letting agent round, he was all smiles at first but gradually started suggesting that it was parents fault, as the heating had not always been used and they had stored boxes in one of the rooms. His attitude became less friendly as the conversation went on.

I didn't appreciate his attitude and reminded him that there is dry rot around the sink, which was reported to him in July, and nothing has been done about it.

He's an older man in his sixties, I'm a man in my thirties. He got right in my face, shouting and waving his finger. At one point spit went in my face. I kept calm, as the situation was about to explode and someone had to have the maturity to not get into a fight. I don't want to hit anyone, least of all an old person.
As he left he walked straight for the door, and if my Mum hadn't have moved aside he would have collided with her. She's seventy. I immediatly followed him warning him to not walk into my mother.

He left for the office, I got my jacket and walked straight down there. I was absolutely raging on the way down, deciding to inform me of the rapid succession of action I would be taking if he ever walked near my mother in that fashion ever again.

Thankfully, I'd calmed down a bit my time I arrived at the office. He was apologetic but then gave me a document to sign, stating that I would have to pay for the upcoming mold inspection, if the tenant was found to be at fault.

He'd worded it wrong, and I didn't feel comfortable to sign. I'm not a tenant there anyway.
I told him to forget about the sink, I just want to sort out the air quality for my mum. Even if I have to pay for it I will.

However, I'm wondering if it is I or my Mum who should be paying for this, and not the landlord?
And I'm also wondering if I should make a full and official complaint about the way this man was acting to every authority possible?
I'm torn between not bothering about some moody old codger who's clearly past retirement, and doing everything I can to get some payback.

I'm not the first who's been treated unfairly, judging by the reviews of the same agent.

Thank you for reading, any advice and feedback would be appreciated.

NobodysChild

I don't see why she should have to pay for fixing the mould! Surely when the LL did inspections (which he should be doing at least twice a year,) he should have picked this up? (the mould.)

And surely if it has been reported, your mother should have her back covered?

Sounds like they are trying to get the tenant (your mother) to pay, as remember, the agent always works for the landlord, and not the tenant.

I suggest you make contact with the manager and report this man for his aggressive nature. Not very professional.

Good job she has you. Good on you for taking care of her.

anselld

Mould is a contentious issue. It can be caused by tenant lifestyle or building defects and it is difficult to prove either way.

There is no such thing as a "mould inspection" and certainly you should not be paying for one. If the LL wants to conduct an inspection regarding his repairing obligations that is up to him/her.

If there is mould damage then that may ultimately be disputed at checkout via the deposit scheme.

If mould is bad enough to be a serious health issue then your mother should involve the Environmental Health Officer at the Council who has the power to enforce repair action on the LL.

gibson1

Thanks.

I will have a chat with the manager on Tuesday. Usually though, aggressive staff are the product of an aggresive manager, but I will have a chat with him.

If the response I get isn't positive, I'll try The Ombudsman agency that they are registered with, after making a more formal complaint to the agent in writing.

NobodysChild

Good luck Gibson.

gibson1

anselld wrote: »

Mould is a contentious issue. It can be caused by tenant lifestyle or building defects and it is difficult to prove either way.

There is no such thing as a "mould inspection" and certainly you should not be paying for one. If the LL wants to conduct an inspection regarding his repairing obligations that is up to him/her.

If there is mould damage then that may ultimately be disputed at checkout via the deposit scheme.

If mould is bad enough to be a serious health issue then your mother should involve the Environmental Health Officer at the Council who has the power to enforce repair action on the LL.

Thank you.

He was saying that I will pay if the damp inspector(perhaps I used the wrong term for the person who will be inspecting the mold) determines that it has not been caused by the buildings structure.

I have considered the Environmental Health Officer of the Council, first thing Monday I will call them.

anselld

gibson1 wrote: »

He was saying that I will pay if the damp inspector(perhaps I used the wrong term for the person who will be inspecting the mold) determines that it has not been caused by the buildings structure.

There is no basis for that. The LL/LA have instructed the inspection and it is at their cost unless they can prove either to the Courts or via the Deposit Scheme that mould was a result of tenant lifestyle.

gibson1

anselld wrote: »

There is no basis for that. The LL/LA have instructed the inspection and it is at their cost unless they can prove either to the Courts or via the Deposit Scheme that mould was a result of tenant lifestyle.

I'll guess that they'll cancel the inspection when I tell them that. I was suspicious of him drafting up a document, saying that I will be responsible for the inspection if no structural defects are found.

Wouldn't surprise me if its a dodgy inspector in league with the agent either. Perhaps I should get my own inspector and forward the results to the LA?

gibson1

Other thing I have to consider, is that I don't live in the area and the LA knows that. My Mum will sometimes be by herself while I'm away.

If things get nasty while I'm not around, that really wouldn't be good.

Norman_Castle

Advise the letting agency of his behavior and advise them this individual is not welcome at the property at any time. Instruct them to contact you before any future communication with your mother.
Aggressive behavior such as this can be considered harassment.

gibson1

Thank you, I will include this in my letter of complain tomorrow.