Repairs before tenancy starts

jd87

Quick question. How can a new tenant best ensure that any agreed repair work actually gets done before a tenacy starts?

I've seen a flat and want to apply to rent it, but there are a few minor things that need putting right first. The last time I moved, the landlord promised to sort things like this before we moved in, and 2 years later they still weren't fixed.

For example if I went to the agent and said:

"I want to rent it, and here is a substantial holding deposit, but I will only sign the tenancy agreement once I have seen that these repairs have been done"

Is that reasonable?

Pixie5740

You would need to get any agreement in writing otherwise you face losing your holding deposit if the repairs aren't done and you won't sign a tenancy agreement.

You do face the risk of the landlord pegging you as a PITA and therefore not wanting you as a tenant before you even get to the referencing stage.

How minor are the these things you would like sorted? Why this property? Are there not any without these minor issues available?

jd87

Things like light switches broken, doors not closing properly.

In my experience, it's the fact that these problems are so minor that causes the issue. It's easy for a landlord to think "that's only a little thing, the tenant probably doesn't care" and so they never get sorted.

To be honest we're not 100% sold on the property anyway so I'm minded to be a bit of a PITA. We only really want the place if we can be sure the little foibles get sorted and the landlord demonstrates himself to be a good landlord.

Cakeguts

I would suggest that you find somewhere which fits what you want when you view rather than trying to get someone to change something to suit you. (Some people won't care about the doors and light fittings as long as the price is right.) The landlord must know about the light fittings as it would show up on the inventory and they haven't done anything about it. Does this look as if it is going to be the right property for you?

Marvel1

I would look elsewhere, any decent landlord would solve the issues before advertising.

G_M

I tend to agree with cj above, however, if you want to proceed, you need the written agreement that the repairs will be done to be included on the first payment you make ie the holding deposit.

The agreement needs to list the repairs, not just say vaguely "subject to repairs'.

That way you can reclaim the holding deposit if the repairs are not done.