Renting double/single bed: Where do we stand?

moneysavinmonkey

Just moved into our new rented property and have a bit of a problem....

The house was advertised as having two double bedrooms and one single, but
is actually is furnished with one double and two singles (although the second bedroom is easily big enough for a double) I spoke to the managing agent immediately and they referred it to the advertising/letting department - they have sent me back an e-mail saying they are sorry if we have 'misinterpreted' the property description but it doesn't actually say that we will get two double beds.. just two double bedrooms!

what now?

Unknown1234_2

moneysavinmonkey wrote: »

Just moved into our new rented property and have a bit of a problem....

The house was advertised as having two double bedrooms and one single, but
is actually is furnished with one double and two singles (although the second bedroom is easily big enough for a double) I spoke to the managing agent immediately and they referred it to the advertising/letting department - they have sent me back an e-mail saying they are sorry if we have 'misinterpreted' the property description but it doesn't actually say that we will get two double beds.. just two double bedrooms!

what now?

If you didnt check what you were getting when renting a furnished property, I would say there is nothing you can do.

Badger_Lady

Does this create a real problem for you? How many people are living in the house?

If it is just a spare room / single occupancy, as above I'd let it go and remember in future to check what furnishings are available. Alternatively, buy yourself a second single bed and push them together to make a superking :-)

moneysavinmonkey

The property did have a double bed in when we viewed it though. This might have belonged to the previous tenants as they had a lot of extra furniture in there. However with other things such as the sofa the agent showing us round the property stated that these did not come with the property. She actually said to refer to the property description as that is what we would get!

I'm just wondering whether a 'double bedroom' in the context of a furnished property must contain a double bed... if you booked a double bedroom at a hotel they couldn't get away with giving you a large room with a single bed!!

What about the property mis-descriptions act or advertising standards??

Badger_Lady

Fair point, but can you clarify how it affects you? Is someone going to be living in that room, and more importantly are they a couple?

If so, it's worth pointing this out to the agent - if the description didn't detail furniture and the agent told you to refer to the details for furniture, they're slightly lacking... but what do you want out of this? Do you want them to change the bed (possibly collect this one, put it into storage and buy a new bed) or are you just out for a bit of compensation? Why do you need the double bed?

moneysavinmonkey

Badger_Lady wrote: »

Does this create a real problem for you? How many people are living in the house?

If it is just a spare room / single occupancy, as above I'd let it go and remember in future to check what furnishings are available. Alternatively, buy yourself a second single bed and push them together to make a superking :-)

It is just a spare, however my parents live far away but come to visit me often so need a double for them to stay. That is pretty much the main reason why we chose this house as all the others we viewed just had one double.

aside from the fact we viewed the property with two doubles the description states...

"two double bedrooms with beds, wardrobe and chest of drawers, single bedroom with single bed ......

Double Bedrooms: 2
Single Bedrooms: 1 "

pretty unambiguous to me that there would be two double beds?

Badger_Lady

Yeah, you're right... push it with them, but bear in mind that the expense to them/LL will be quite a lot for the sake of an extra 1'6" of bed width.

Would you be willing to get an extra bed yourself for the occasional use? Singles often come up on Freecycle in my area, and you could always use the one from the 3rd room in the meantime.

Hardly ideal, I agree, and it does sound like you were misled somewhat, but my experience of renting tells me you won't get much help!

Will be very pleased if an expert pops along here and gives some more satisfactory advice...

moneysavinmonkey

OFT website gives details of the 'Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations' which prohibits adverts that:
'create a false impressions - even if everything state in the ad may be literally true'

Think I will give them a quick phone call to check that this applies to renting...

also ARLA code of practice on their website (estate agents are ARLA members) states that:
'A Member must take reasonable steps to make sure that all statements,
whether oral or written, about a property are accurate and not misleading.
In particular, reasonable care should be taken when describing property as
Unfurnished, Part Furnished, Furnished or Fully Furnished so that
applicants are not misled as to what fixtures, fittings etc might be included. '

Am e-mailing the agent back to tell them why we need a second double bed and let them know i will be consulting ARLA /OFT and will get back to them.

If anyone else has anymore advise or suggestions I would appreciate the help.

moneysavinmonkey

ARLA are bl***y useless. just got some sappy woman on the phone who said.. oh i don't know I'm not a legal expert. I had to point out the relevant part of the code of practice to her!! She said i would have to make a formal complaint in order to get 'a view' on it.

Trading Standards much more helpful. Nearly bit my hand off and wanted to launch an investigation immediately and check they weren't misadvertising their other properties! :rotfl: -apparently property mis-description & misleading advertising is a criminal misdemeanour! Had to put the brakes on and say actually just looking for some advice at this stage!

Waiting for reply from agent & then will report my findings but say I don't want to make a formal complaint, just want a friendly resolution and can they arrange for a double bed now please!

Trouble is making a complaint will just get the agent reprimanded and possibly fined .... ultimately neither OFT or ARLA will make them give me a double bed and that's all i'm after!

thesaint

I see an eviction notice in the mail back to the OP. :A

seven-day-weekend

Why can't you put the two single beds into one room for your parents?