Apartment advertised as unfurnished has furniture I don’t want

jr1985

The ad clearly stated unfurnished, but the apartment has a horrible leather sofa I don’t want. I haven’t signed anything yet but when I asked if it could be removed the agent said I would have to pay for storage. They’ve processed my references and said I should be eligible to sign over next week. But I was only interested if it was unfurnished. I’m just not sure what my rights are, if any?

saajan_12

jr1985 wrote: »

The ad clearly stated unfurnished, but the apartment has a horrible leather sofa I don’t want. I haven’t signed anything yet but when I asked if it could be removed the agent said I would have to pay for storage. They’ve processed my references and said I should be eligible to sign over next week. But I was only interested if it was unfurnished. I’m just not sure what my rights are, if any?

There's no legal definition of unfurnished, and you take the property as seen not as advertised. So stating 'unfurnished' on a brief ad is not binding on the LL.

If that includes a sofa then you need to return a property with a sofa in the same condition less wear and tear.

Your options are:
1- negotiate LL to remove sofa / store at their cost (if they agree)
2- live with the sofa
3- store sofa at your cost and return to the property when you leave
4- dispose of sofa at your cost and reimburse LL for cost of a comparable sofa in same condition you were given when you leave
5- walk away and look elsewhere

Blondetotty

Speak to the LL, not the letting agent, as well. I moved into a flat that was advertised as unfurnished (the current tenants showed me around and it was fully furnished with what I assumed was all their stuff). When they left two sofas, two dodgy beds, a wall unit and table were all left. The LA said they needed to be kept but I spoke to the LL directly and they agreed in writing that I could dispose of the items and they would amend the inventory, which they did. Apparently, previous tenants just left stuff and it accumulated to an almost fully furnished property.
It was all horrid stuff though, split leather sofas and a filthy mattress I wouldn't let a dog lay on, if I had a dog.
It might just be worth checking with the LL but if not and you've not signed anything or handed over any money, move on and find something else.

davidmcn

I agree, it's possible the landlord doesn't know anything about the sofa and/or would be happy to get rid of it. I presume it's not got any real (or sentimental) value.

jr1985

Problem is I dont seem to have direct access to the landlord. Should I just insist the letting agent asks the landlord directly about it? So far it’s just been the agent telling me I’d have to pay to get it stored.

macman

Tee LL's address should be on your tenancy agreement.

Grezz24

Id tell them i wasnt interested in taking the property with the sofa and to speak with the LL about removing it. If they wouldnt then id walk away. Rental properties are very easy to come by, there will always be another.

I imagine the last tenant left it there as it was easier than removing it as they probably bought new when moved.

jr1985

Ok apparently it belongs to the current tenant (due to
Leave next week). In that case isn’t it his responsibility to get rid of it?