Student Flats - incomplete but full rent demanded

Willow2206

My daughter moved into a new build student studio a month ago. In the week before she moved in the agent advised there were some services unavailable but they would be so within a week or so. Well a month later these services remain unavailable - no operational lift (there are 8 floors in the building), no wi-if, no security/concierge (parcels can not be left as no-one to sign), no gym. The landlord, via the agent, has offered £50 as full and final compensation - against a monthly rental of £540 it's derisory and so we rejected it. My point is there doesn't seem to be an end in sight - after constant false promises (lies!) I don't know what to do for the best. Moving out to alternative accommodation is not an option. Any advice greatly appreciated

AdrianC

I presume moving out is not an option as the landlord will not release her from the contract she freely and voluntarily signed.

As for student accommodation expecting concierge, lift and gym... <boggle>
Sure, they're included in the rent - but do they actually prevent her from living there? Sure, she needs internet access - £50 is more than sufficient to get an interim solution for that set up for a couple of months.

BTW, are you named on the tenancy contract, other than as a guarantor? If not, then the negotiation is nothing to do with you. You accept or cannot reject any offer, and you cannot "do" anything, "for the best" or otherwise. Your daughter is an adult. You can advise her what you think she can do, but it is her choice entirely as to whether to accept your advice or not.

Guest101

Is the LL the freeholder?

Claree__x

AdrianC wrote: »

I presume moving out is not an option as the landlord will not release her from the contract she freely and voluntarily signed.

As for student accommodation expecting concierge, lift and gym... <boggle>
Sure, they're included in the rent - but do they actually prevent her from living there? Sure, she needs internet access - £50 is more than sufficient to get an interim solution for that set up for a couple of months.

BTW, are you named on the tenancy contract, other than as a guarantor? If not, then the negotiation is nothing to do with you. You accept or cannot reject any offer, and you cannot "do" anything, "for the best" or otherwise. Your daughter is an adult. You can advise her what you think she can do, but it is her choice entirely as to whether to accept your advice or not.

Bit harsh - I'd imagine that they EXPECT these things 'cause they were promised - it's not like they've gone into a 'standard' student flat and expected additional extras for no reason.

davidmcn

AdrianC wrote: »

As for student accommodation expecting concierge, lift and gym... <boggle>

I think "concierge" is just a poncy word for "someone trying to control the hundreds of teenagers living in the building"...and I don't think it's outrageous for an 8 storey building to have a lift!

Willow2206

I am the guarantor and am also paying the rent each month so my thoughts and opinion are as important as my daughter's. Of course we have discussed the matter in great detail - she appreciates my support and I am not forcing her to do anything. As for the services, we signed the agreement based on the offering - plent of other student accommodation offer similar services. For them not to be provided is mis-representation.

AdrianC

Sure, they expect them. It's not as if they're NEVER going to be provided - there's just a delay in them being available, due to teething problems in a new-build. A month so far...

AdrianC

Willow2206 wrote: »

I am the guarantor and am also paying the rent each month so my thoughts and opinion are as important as my daughter's.

Umm, legally, no they are not.

Your daughter is the tenant, and she is the one whose name the contract is in. Whether you choose to gift or loan her the money for the rent is between you and her.

Your legal responsibility only starts if and when she falls behind in rent or leaves damage behind.

Willow2206

Thanks Clare. Yes these services were promised and as I added are commonplace in many other student blocks - not extravagant!

Willow2206

Oh please - Chill out. I only wanted some advice not a lesson in legal terminology!

AdrianC

Willow2206 wrote: »

Oh please - Chill out. I only wanted some advice not a lesson in legal terminology!

It's actually rather important that you understand that you are not a party to the contract, and the landlord is perfectly entitled to just completely ignore any communication from you.