Rude Estate Agent

SM23

My partner and I recently moved into a flat - first time renting and after 1 day at the property, we found few issues (washing machine causes flooding, shaver is over-heating, promised blinds hadn't been fitted, terrace door doesn't open, no wifi (despite being included in the rent) etc. We notified the estate agent straight away who, after a few days, finally managed to contact the landlord and most are now "being looked into" after phone calls and e-mails from us chasing.

However, I've just received an e-mail stating "If you don't like it, leave".

Now, forgive me, but surely this is unacceptable? We've already paid the first months deposit, and are having to flag issues after 1 night of moving in. Chasing (politely, never forgetting our please and thank yous) and frankly, letting them know that work hasn't been carried out when they should have known. Is there anything we can do to ensure these responses don't happen? We chose to go with an estate agent so that these issues wouldn't arise only, stuck with them for 6 months.

Thank you

Guest101

SM23 wrote: »

My partner and I recently moved into a flat - first time renting and after 1 day at the property, we found few issues (washing machine causes flooding, shaver is over-heating, promised blinds hadn't been fitted, terrace door doesn't open, no wifi (despite being included in the rent) etc. We notified the estate agent straight away who, after a few days, finally managed to contact the landlord and most are now "being looked into" after phone calls and e-mails from us chasing. - Good, your contract is with the LL, not the agent.

However, I've just received an e-mail stating "If you don't like it, leave". - And?

Now, forgive me, but surely this is unacceptable? - Is it? Seems like an offer to surrender We've already paid the first months deposit, and are having to flag issues after 1 night of moving in. - and? They're being looked into Chasing (politely, never forgetting our please and thank yous) and frankly, letting them know that work hasn't been carried out when they should have known. - contract is with the LL, not the agent Is there anything we can do to ensure these responses don't happen? - Talk to the ll direct? We chose to go with an estate agent so that these issues wouldn't arise only, stuck with them for 6 months. - You didn't choose to go with an agent. You chose a property which was managed by an agent.

Thank you

Oh my god, stop being offended and reply with:


Dear Agent,


Thank you for your open ended offer of a surrender, we will certainly take you up on it if we feel it necessary


Regards


The Tenant

gjheward91

Did they not do a "check in" with you on the day you moved in to check everything on the inventory was correct?
If it's states these things are included in the contract that is signed, then this is what they must stick to, maybe take a copy of the contract showing these things and should then be able to rectify.
Good luck!!

ThePants999

I'd have a hard time not getting pretty shirty at that

"We don't like it, so we'll leave as per your offer. Please get the landlord to provide written agreement to allow us to surrender the tenancy early, refund all monies we've paid, charge us nothing further, and cover our removals costs. If for any reason you can't secure such agreement, I'll assume your reply was facetious and you're actually working to get these issues fixed!"

SM23

Thank you for your post.

As mentioned, we're both quite new to the whole renting world; I was merely asking a question so your feedback is appreciated.

We haven't met with the landlord and everything is being done via the estate agent.

SM23

No, nothing. We were told someone from the team would be visiting us to go through it all, but alas, still no confirmation. Will definitely make a visit with the contract in hand.
Thank you for your post.

G_M

Nearly, but I wouldn't leave the response open-ended. Make a decision.

Guest101 wrote: »

Dear Agent,

Thank you for your[STRIKE] open-ended [/STRIKE]offer of a surrender of the tenancy. We have decided to accept your offer and will be surrendering the tenancy on (date = day before next rent payment date to avoid argument over rent).

Since no conditions were attached to the offer we shall expect full return of our deposit within 3 days of the surrender.,[STRIKE] we will certainly take you up on it if we feel it necessary[/STRIKE]

Regards

The Tenant

SM23

We like this one better.

Guest101

G_M wrote: »

Nearly, but I wouldn't leave the response open-ended. Make a decision.

True, true.

stator

Unfortunately as a renter you are now a second class citizen. You have to beg for repairs and usually you won't get them. Unilt you become a home owner the government won't care about you.

Just make sure you put everything in writing and get proof of postage of anything you send. Since you have a new tenancy you might have some protection from revenge evictions, but in general you are still stuck with the two options of either living there and accepting the bad service or giving your notice and leaving.
If there is anything really serious or dangerous then get the council environmental health dept. involved.

Guest101

stator wrote: »

Unfortunately as a renter you are now a second class citizen. You have to beg for repairs and usually you won't get them. Unilt you become a home owner the government won't care about you.

Just make sure you put everything in writing and get proof of postage of anything you send. Since you have a new tenancy you might have some protection from revenge evictions, but in general you are still stuck with the two options of either living there and accepting the bad service or giving your notice and leaving.
If there is anything really serious or dangerous then get the council environmental health dept. involved.

Im sorry, but that's rubbish. Tenants have so many rights that LLs are very much second class citizens.