Landlord's Possessions in my flat

LFC307

Hello all,

I am desperate for some guidance on this...

We recently moved into a rented 2 bed flat (upsizing from a 1 bed flat). The main reason for this was that we are expecting our first child.

We found an ideal (furnished) place with lots of space however it seemed at the time of our first and second viewings that the landlord was storing some of his stuff at the property. The landlord used to live in the property but had let it out for 3+ years as he moved back abroad (with the intention of moving back to the UK in the future).

It seems that he had left dozens of his personal items in the property and the previous tenant (living by himself) did not have a problem with this. The items included: a vacuum cleaner, mop, various items of small furniture, two ironing boards, numerous ornaments, small bookshelf, blankets, steam cleaner, large photo frames, several bins, cushions, coat racks, laundry baskets etc... the list is over 120 items!).

We flagged this as an issue prior to signing our tenancy agreement and after trying to negotiate with the letting agent, the landlord refused to remove the items from the property.

Whilst we appreciate we have moved into a furnished property, we didn't want the vast majority of the items left behind as we have our own vacuum cleaner, ironing board etc etc...

We agreed to sign the tenancy agreement whilst not being fully aware of the volume of items left behind (I was only able to itemise everything once we moved in).

I have now written to the agent requesting the removal of the items and have previously suggested that the landlord put all of his possessions into storage at his cost - to assist, I have offered to put everything in boxes and drop it off. Alternatively, I have requested a reduction in rent to compensate for the fact that our storage space is being compromised quite a lot.

As a compromise I have said we could accommodate some of the items (circa 25%).

I am struggling to get a response from the agent on this matter...

I have already spoken to Shelter who have advised that negotiation is my only option.

Can anyone offer any further advice here? Any legal options or should I look into contacting the local trading standards department?

Thanks in advance...

theartfullodger

If the items are listed on the inventory then you've agreed to them being there - but

a) Can ask for them to be removed - keep asking...
b) Note any damage or anything missing (or you may be charged,,,,)
c) You are at liberty to store them wherever you like (eg some storage company...) to get the space back.

Basically it's down to negotiation, as Shelter wisely said: Sorry....

Slithery

LFC307 wrote: »

We flagged this as an issue prior to signing our tenancy agreement and after trying to negotiate with the letting agent, the landlord refused to remove the items from the property.

Yet you signed anyway.

G_M

On the inventory (which I assume you signed)? Then unless the LL now agrees to amend the inventory and remove them, nothing you can do.


Not on the inventory? "Sorry Mr LL, what do you mean "where's my ornaments, small bookshelf, blankets, steam cleaner.....?" There never was any ornaments, small bookshelf, blankets, steam cleaner......"

Comms69

Store them yourself in a self storage locker?

SallyDucati

Comms69 wrote: »

Store them yourself in a self storage locker?

Self Storage isn't cheap, especially for anything capable of storing more than a couple of boxes.

tacpot12

Self storage should be a last resort due to the cost.

[Deleted User]

Don't think I am unsympathetic. I am. But I'm afraid its probably one of those 'bad experience' situations where you realise what you can't put up with and will never do again.

Get all the items together, put the ironing boards behind them and see how much space saving you can do putting them into two or three (or more boxes). Make it a competition with you, your friends, your partner. It can be quite surprising how with careful space saving packing you can save a lot of bulk. I am brilliant at this, my ex is terrible lol. Its not going to be ideal with a little one around but you will have some time before that becomes an issue.

And then, never sign for something without knowing exactly what you are getting.

Unfortunately, you can't deny knowledge of any items discussed now.

As the flat has lots of space, hopefully you will be able to find a space to put the items you don't want. Don't let it spoil the flat for you. You took it for a reason. Google space saving, storage etc.., might help give you some ideas that will stand you in good stead for the rest of your life. Particularly with a little one and all their essential items that they grow out of so quickly lol (been there done it). BTW laundry baskets and bins can be stacked or used to contain items you don't need, for example. You might even find some of the items have been left by tenants and not the LL, so can get rid of them.

I would ask for a list of items the LL left, and lose anything that's not on the list. Note what he/she claims should be there and isn't (write to LA and tell them these items aren't here). This will actually help you on leaving the flat.

martindow

Does the inventory just list these items or state their condition?


If there is no mention of condition I would have no scruples about storing them in a friend's shed or garage. If they are a bit damp or mouldy when they go back in the flat when you leave so be it.

System

martindow wrote: »

Does the inventory just list these items or state their condition?


If there is no mention of condition I would have no scruples about storing them in a friend's shed or garage. If they are a bit damp or mouldy when they go back in the flat when you leave so be it.

Doesn't work like that. In law you are responsible for them and have a duty of care.

lookstraightahead

The main issue is whether they are all listed on the inventory. If they are, your responsibility. If not then they're not.