Getting out of contract as living here is risking my job??

nnb

Really hope someone can advise on my rights with this situation

I moved into my self contained apartment in an 8 apartment block 2 months ago on a 6 month rental contract via an agency. I paid a deposit (1 months rent) plus I paid the full 6 months rent upfront (stupid idea in hindsight).

However, since moving in, I have had maintenance out SEVEN times for various problems. I haven't even reported all the issues. It would be more like 11-12 call outs!!! The flat wasn't checked or cleaned before I moved in - although I doubt it's been checked in years. These problems were not evident when viewing and I could not have known most of these problems. I was under the impression it was checked!

In addition to this, I have a smoker below me and next to me. That's weed, not cigarettes. My entire building is owned by the same people and I was aware there were students here - HOWEVER, there is a clear 'no smoking' clause in our contracts and I didn't smell any weed when I viewed. None of us have garden/balcony so everyone is smoking in their flat. I had no idea the landlord and agency COMPLETELY ignore this rule they state in contracts or I wouldn't have moved in!!!!!

I don't mind people doing it (or doing anything) as long as it doesn't affect me. I'll even put up with them smoking outside and have done in past homes. Unfortunately, I work with the public and it has been brought to my attention twice that I need to 'go spray myself' as I smell of weed! If this gets filtered back to the agency I work for, I will lose my job and have to look for a new one - who doesn't mind me smelling of drugs. Yeah, likely. I have never smoked anything in my life so this is really infuriating.

I took steps from the start to stop any smell infiltrating my flat - I keep doors closed, plugs in drains, and only open windows in the day (they're asleep then I guess haha). I have a vent in my bathroom and one in my kitchen, but it isn't a well made building so it is likely seeping in from every nook and cranny. I came out of my room at 3am last night for a wee and HOLY F-ING COW my entire lounge/kitchen stank to high heaven - you would think it was me who'd been smoking in there!!!!!!! It's always worse at weekends as they seem to get their fresh batches then - but that doesn't help me as I work any of the 7 days a week and can't keep washing things just before I leave the flat!!!

This is now massively risking my employment - I can't cover my clothes from this any more than I already do. Talking to the neighbours is an option but, let's face it, they aren't going to stop. And I'll just annoy them and make them less friendly! (Everyone is nice face to face.)

Is all of this (mainly the weed/job problem) a reason to get out of my contract early??? Can I still get back my deposit and pre-paid rent? I can't do 4 more months of this and desperately need to move.

Thanks in advance.

custardy

'all of this'

Big long post that goes on about weed and doesnt list any problems.
You havent stated any of the maintenance 'problems'
On what you have posted,kiss goodbye to 4 months rent + deposit if you want to move out.

nnb

Because maintenance problems aren't going to cost me my job and are a secondary factor!

The fact I have unknowingly turned up to jobs stinking of weed IS likely to cost me my job! AND it is purely because my neighbours are breaking rules clearly laid out in our contracts.

I wasn't "going on about weed" for no reason at all. I'm not 'anti weed', I am just extremely aware I could lose my job because my neighbours are breaking rules laid out by the landlord and letting agent!!!!!!

custardy

nnb wrote: »

Because maintenance problems aren't going to cost me my job and are a secondary factor!

The fact I have unknowingly turned up to jobs stinking of weed IS likely to cost me my job! AND it is purely because my neighbours are breaking rules clearly laid out in our contracts.

I wasn't "going on about weed" for no reason at all. I'm not 'anti weed', I am just extremely aware I could lose my job because my neighbours are breaking rules laid out by the landlord and letting agent!!!!!!

If your landlord isnt doing anything about it,why do you feel they will refund your money over it?
You have no legal right here if thats what you are asking.
So contact the landlord and ask.
If the maintenance issues aren't a factor,why post about them?.......

EachPenny

nnb wrote: »

Because maintenance problems aren't going to cost me my job and are a secondary factor!

It sounds a tough situation to be in, but I'm not sure there is much you can do apart from either taking a loss on the advance rent, or sticking it out until the end of the contract. Leaving early, and/or getting into a confrontational situation with the landlord and neighbours may just make it harder, and possibly affect your ability to find somewhere else to live.

The only constructive advice I can think of would be to buy some of the vacuum bags they sell in pound shops and keep your clothes in them until just before you go out. You shouldn't have to resort to things like that, but there are occasions in life where putting up with it is the only way.

A slightly more radical approach - suggested in humour - would be if you are single then start dating a serving police officer. It might not make you popular and may not stop the problem entirely, but the presence of an off-duty police officer in the building may reduce some of the excesses

PasturesNew

It's illegal to smoke cannabis even in your own home.... some anonymous phone calls/tip offs might be something for you to pass the time doing.

Here's some info from just a week ago.
http://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/property/things-you-can-you-think-41720

nnb

EachPenny wrote: »

It sounds a tough situation to be in, but I'm not sure there is much you can do apart from either taking a loss on the advance rent, or sticking it out until the end of the contract. Leaving early, and/or getting into a confrontational situation with the landlord and neighbours may just make it harder, and possibly affect your ability to find somewhere else to live.

The only constructive advice I can think of would be to buy some of the vacuum bags they sell in pound shops and keep your clothes in them until just before you go out. You shouldn't have to resort to things like that, but there are occasions in life where putting up with it is the only way.

A slightly more radical approach - suggested in humour - would be if you are single then start dating a serving police officer. It might not make you popular and may not stop the problem entirely, but the presence of an off-duty police officer in the building may reduce some of the excesses

Thanks for your well worded response. Much appreciated

I am trying to put up with it and happily work around situations but now work has noticed it, I am trying to just escape if I can as losing my job and possibly not finding a new one asap will be a massive problem.

As for police... That's hilarious as I used to be engaged to a CID drugs expert! Useful as a chocolate teapot when it came to ANY legal issues near where we lived as he didn't want any locals knowing what he was!

nnb

Penitent wrote: »

The only way to solve this is to go around the flat sealing every little gap. Your landlord isn't obligated to do this.

Have you spoken to the neighbours about how they're affecting you?

You said the landlord ignores the no smoking rule. Have you actually told them about the other tenants smoking?

I don't want to approach neighbours as they likely won't take well to it. I don't want confrontation and then be stuck here for 4 months with nightmare neighbours! The letting agent has been around multiple times to the building so must know. You can't miss the smell can you! I was waiting to get feedback before approaching them.

Pixie5740

Two options...

1) Negotiate an early surrender with the landlord which will probably cost you.

2) Put up with it until your 6 months are up and move.

nnb

PasturesNew wrote: »

It's illegal to smoke cannabis even in your own home.... some anonymous phone calls/tip offs might be something for you to pass the time doing.

Here's some info from just a week ago.
*had to remove link cos I am a newbie*

I appreciate it is illegal. The only problem is that police don't actually take it too seriously like they would heroin or meth etc! I've even seen police ignore blatant cocaine use across the country. Weed is deemed a bit more 'friendly' and so becomes a paperwork ball-ache for a 'petty' drug crime, unless they get the dealer. Someone just carrying weed or even smoking it in a very very very public place isn't the best use of their time apparently.

I completely love your suggestion though! It would be a last resort though as right now I think it'd be a waste of time unless I can get loads of people reporting the same people! xx

FBaby

Step 1: Write to your boss and explain the situation. Say that you don't smoke it and if they have concerns, you will be happy to take a drug test at anytime. Being pro-active always help.

Step 2: Minimise the likelihood of smell on you clothes as recommended above. Since it is worse in the living room, don't leave clothes there.

Options: You can contact the police, but as it is hinted in the article, even though it is illegal to smoke in your house, they really are only interested in those who deal, not consume

You could tell the landlord, but as you should know, the LL has to announce a visit. So it would be very easy to them to make sure they don't smoke 24 hours in advance and hide any evidence. Nothing the LL can then do.

Step 3: Start looking for somewhere else to go. 4 months will go by very quickly.