Advice Needed: RE house offered for rent in poor condition

MoroFenrir

We've been and viewed a house that we're interested in, we like the area and location but the house is in poor condition inside (Cosmetically) as it was left that way with a previous tenant

The house is being let through an agency, who are repsonsible for repairs and maintenance when you are in the property... and the landlord has basically said he's happy for us to decorate it however we want, (doesn't have to be magnolia everywhere, Yay!) but you have to pay for it yourself, he's letting it as is and is not redecorating it for new tenants.

But we are concerned why a landlord would not do it themselves...

(However this is an agency that lets to DSS tenants, and those with pets and they don't take deposits, so I suppose if a tenant did leave it in a state, they don't have a deposit to fall back on to repair it)

Basically every room will need repainting, and a couple of the carpets need replacing.

What does a Landlord HAVE to do to let a property , other than an electrical check ?

(This property has economy 7 heating, so there is no gas / oil / solid fuel etc it is electric throughout, for hot water, electric radiators and electric cooker)

Cakeguts

Some tenants don't mind having houses in poor condition if they need somewhere to live. It is possible that this landlord always lets this property like this because he knows that tenants will redecorate anyway. Is there any point in doing it twice?

It is up to the person viewing the property to decide whether they want it or not. If you are not happy with the condition then look for somewhere else. If the property is cheap for the area then this is why.

eddddy

MoroFenrir wrote: »

What does a Landlord HAVE to do to let a property , other than an electrical check ?

Take a look here: https://www.gov.uk/renting-out-a-property/landlord-responsibilities

There's no legal requirement for a landlord to keep a property well decorated, or to have good carpets.

MoroFenrir

It's not paticularly cheap for the area, it's a mid terrace and is up at £350pcm , when semis go for £380 to £420

Our main concern was if the landlord won't even pay to paint a wall , what happens when we need repairs or maintenance ?

Is there any way we can check up on an estate agency ? reviews / comments etc ?

Cakeguts

MoroFenrir wrote: »

It's not paticularly cheap for the area, it's a mid terrace and is up at £350pcm , when semis go for £380 to £420

Our main concern was if the landlord won't even pay to paint a wall , what happens when we need repairs or maintenance ?

Is there any way we can check up on an estate agency ? reviews / comments etc ?

The repairs and maintenance are down to the landlord not the estate agent. All the estate agent can do is pass on the information to the landlord.

It sounds as if you don't like this property because you are worried about maintenance and condition? So why not have a look for something else.

Marvel1

Personally if this is the way the landlord is now BEFORE you move in, I wouldn't like to know what they are like when you live there.

If you do decide to go for it, then I recommend you take a video/pictures/inventory on the state of the property on the day you move in and get the agent/landlord to sign, as come moving out and getting the deposit, I'm wiling to be they will want to deduct money to clean etc.

MoroFenrir

The repairs and maintenance are down to the landlord not the estate agent. All the estate agent can do is pass on the information to the landlord.

It sounds as if you don't like this property because you are worried about maintenance and condition? So why not have a look for something else.

I think it was just unexpected , we’ve been viewing houses for 6 months and not seen one in a bad state , having problems with our current home we didn’t want to rush into anything.
There’s nothing wrong with the house other than cosmetic things , of which we would be happy to do our selves to our own taste... our main concern was if ever we needed a repair , would it happen ? If the landlord wouldn’t pay for paint, what happens if we ever need a plumber or electrician out, but that is the responsibility of the estate agents... is there anywhere we can check up on the estate agent’s reputation ?

MoroFenrir

cjdavies wrote: »

Personally if this is the way the landlord is now BEFORE you move in, I wouldn't like to know what they are like when you live there.

If you do decide to go for it, then I recommend you take a video/pictures/inventory on the state of the property on the day you move in and get the agent/landlord to sign, as come moving out and getting the deposit, I'm wiling to be they will want to deduct money to clean etc.

There is no deposit on the property , they don't ask for one on any of the properties let through this agency

Thrugelmir

Decor (colour) is a personal choice. Perhaps the LL has found that allowing the tenants to paint the property works. Tenant is happy. LL incurs no expense.

MoroFenrir

Thrugelmir wrote: »

Decor (colour) is a personal choice. Perhaps the LL has found that allowing the tenants to paint the property works. Tenant is happy. LL incurs no expense.

The previous tenants wrecked the walls, they're all scratched and marked.
There are a few holes that will need filling with unibond etc. and the whole rooms will need painting , as they are really mucky and chipped.

I knocked on the neighbour's door to ask what the area was like , and apparantley the tenants in this house use to hunt game... the neighbours would come home and see dead animals hanging in the garden...

dimbo61

Open your eyes !
Did you see the EPC for the property ? Is it on the letting agents website.
Did the property have any Gas appliances ? Boiler, gas cooker or gas fire ! Gas safety certificate.
How did the electrics look ? Plenty of sockets, electrical safety certificate, energy saving light bulbs, security lights CO alarm + smoke alarms.
If the Landlord has done this he/she is complying with the law.