Flooring dilemma in new build flat

Claree__x

We viewed, and reserved, a new build flat about a month ago. A few weeks back we were told that move in date was to be no later than 30th September - at this point we hadn't, and still haven't! - seen the flat, and deposit/first month rent to be paid before the 16th. With other commitments we're not able to actually view the flat until the 19th so we managed to push back payment until after that date - all fine.

There's no flooring in so we ordered laminate for the L/R and hall and carpet for the B/Rs. We've now been sent an updated tenancy agreement draft which states if we're above 1st floor (which we are), laminate is not permitted :eek:

Obviously I don't know how strict they'll be about the enforcement of this clause but, clearly, I don't want to get on the wrong side of my new landlord right away. Would it be reasonable to ask the question? The initial draft tenancy agreement I received (before ordering the flooring) didn't mention it.

G_M

You renting or buying?

You can never count on a completion date on a new build: it completes when it completes.

It's common for leases to have a clause like this - for obvious reasons. It's not just the landlord you risk getting on the wrong side of - how about the occupants donstairs?

Of course, if you are renting not buying, then it is the leaseholder (your landlord) who is responsible for the flooring, so quite why you are ordering it I don't know. Did you get the LL's permission? If not, why not?

Marktheshark

Only the one you signed is relevant.
Updates, changes to terms and condition require agreement of both parties and a new tenancy agreement.

davidmcn

Marktheshark wrote: »

Only the one you signed is relevant.
Updates, changes to terms and condition require agreement of both parties and a new tenancy agreement.

Nevertheless there's a practical issue if the restriction is one enforceable by the neighbours or freeholder against the OP's landlord.

Claree__x

I should say - we're in Scotland - if that changes anything?

We're initially renting but it's a rent-to-buy agreement so that after after 1 but before 5 years of renting we have the option to buy at a cost reduced by the price of half of our rent paid. I don't know if this is relevant but just highlighting that it's not a standard tenancy.

We've not actually signed anything, yet. The flats are being handed over from the builder at the end of this week and move ins are beginning 16th, our tenancy is due to start the 30th. Timing isn't really an issue at this point, I'm more concerned about the money paid out on flooring!

We currently live in a new build - on the bottom floor - and the occupants above us have laminate and honestly, we've never noticed the difference. We figured that with good quality underlay and flooring it wouldn't detrimentally affect the neighbours, it's not like we're going with bare floorboards!

[Deleted User]

I'm afraid this is a fairly standard term when buying/renting flats.

You could install the laminate, but be prepared to have to replace it with carpet and hope you don't get evicted. I'd expect them to warn you before that happened and give you a chance to put it 'right' with carpet.

Use lots of rugs.

Can you carpet the hallway so the Laminate isn't immediately apparent to people knocking on the door?

G_M

and always take your shoes off - socks make far less noise........

Though socks + laminate = slip hazard.

Claree__x

Awk if it's an issue I'd rather just talk nicely to the flooring people and see if they can change it - I'm sure if I buy the carpet from them they'll be just as happy. C'est la vie!

AnotherJoe

Claree__x wrote: »

I should say - we're in Scotland - if that changes anything?

We're initially renting but it's a rent-to-buy agreement so that after after 1 but before 5 years of renting we have the option to buy at a cost reduced by the price of half of our rent paid. I don't know if this is relevant but just highlighting that it's not a standard tenancy.

We've not actually signed anything, yet. The flats are being handed over from the builder at the end of this week and move ins are beginning 16th, our tenancy is due to start the 30th. Timing isn't really an issue at this point, I'm more concerned about the money paid out on flooring!

We currently live in a new build - on the bottom floor - and the occupants above us have laminate and honestly, we've never noticed the difference. We figured that with good quality underlay and flooring it wouldn't detrimentally affect the neighbours, it's not like we're going with bare floorboards!

Is the supplier one that would let you swap for carpet or are they laminate only?

Claree__x

AnotherJoe wrote: »

Is the supplier one that would let you swap for carpet or are they laminate only?

They're supplying us some laminate and some carpet so hopefully would be amenable to changing the order!