Faults In Rented Flat

I_am_the_bear

Hi

I'm new here but was advised by a friend that this is a great place for help and advice.

Basically I started renting a flat in May, signed the tenancy agreement, got the keys and moved in. Had an inventory checkin thing and everything was fine with that too.

I've now noticed a few things which should have been on the checkin inventory, ie worn carpet, damaged furniture etc. also no extractor fan in kitchen!

Can I ask the landlord to fix these for me? Or has the fact that I've said everything is fine and signed the tenancy agreement and only mentioning these things now mean I'm stuck with it?

Thanks for any advice.

19lottie82

Why did you not notice these things when you did a check in / before you signed the inventory? Your main worry is that your LL may try to take any damage from your deposit when you move out, as they now have "proof" (a signed inventory) that everything was OK when you moved in.

You can ask your landlord to repair / replace, but they don't have to unless any problems become an environmental health issue.

Your best bet is to put your concerns to you LL in writing.

boliston

How was the carpet described in the inventory? Not all kitchens have extractors - I just open the windows when I do a fry up!

piggeh

Put them all into an email/writing to your LL. Keep a copy of the email.

I am under the impression that if the condition/item is not recorded in the inventory it is up to the LL to prove you have caused damage. You should have done this in May/June time as raising them now will raise some doubts if its disputed in the future.

I would make reference to them in your email but only ask if the extractor fan can be sorted for now - if they don't dispute them in response to your email it adds a little bit of weight on your side that the LL was aware they were pre-existing issues.

G_M

Are you saying that a kitchen extractor fan is listed on the inventory, but does not exist? If so, write (a proper letter) to the landlord at the address provided for the serving of notices, pointing out this error. Keep a copy.

Or are you simply saying there is no fan, but you'd like one? If so, you can ask, and the LL may or may not agree to instal one. No obligation on him though.