Stressful Tenancy Experience- Can I claim refund/compensation?

tnel15 · 1 April 2019 at 9:06PM

Good evening!

I'll try and keep this post as short as possible but i want to include as much relevant info as possible to ensure i paint a full picture!

So...

At the beginning of march i signed for a flat with a letting agency. Upon moving in, the place was filthy from top to bottom, and the previous tenant had left a lot of furniture behind. Even the removal company were disgusted and shocked at the state of the place. I spent one night there, but after discovering problem after problem, i had a small breakdown and called to say i was leaving. Their solution was to send a cleaner to resolve the issues, but there was so much furniture (both mine and the tenant's) that the cleaner wouldn't have been able to access anywhere to clean effectively. The agency and the landlord told me to move the unwanted furniture onto the landing and they would have someone collect it...i refused as this wasn't my responsibility, and it would've then created a fire hazard.

Anyway, they agreed to let me leave without remaining liable for the 6 month tenancy, and agreed to refund my deposit (held with the DPS- awaiting the 30 day clearance period) and part of the rent i had paid. Despite being advised that it would take 7-10 days to refund the rent, i had to make numerous attempts at contact to prompt them into paying me. I luckily received this today, although they had over paid me, and have now said they will deduct the slight over payment from my deposit.

So my question is this:

Would i be legally entitled to claim compensation for the additional removal costs incurred as a result of their lack of professionalism? Or at least the full rent and fees?

I moved in on the 8th of March, and out on the 9th. I was reluctant to return the keys until i had written confirmation that i could vacate without being held liable, and they told me to return the keys by the 14th...so they have billed me for the period 8th- 14th march, and refunded the rest of the month.

I have found a new flat with a different agency, but cannot move until the 29th of April...mainly because i couldn't afford to pay for the deposit and fees all in one go due to the fact that I HAD ALREADY PAID FOR A NEW FLAT EARLIER THAT MONTH!
I had to rehire the removal company (who i'm sure now consider me their most loyal customer) and move my stuff to my parents who live far away from where i work. I don't drive, so i now have to spend a fortune on trains and buses to get to and from work everyday.

Yes i've had part of the situation resolved, but it's will have cost me a lot more (both financially and mentally ) in the long run.

I appreciate you help and advice!

Thank you!

G_M · 1 April 2019 at 9:12PM

tnel15 wrote: »

Anyway, they agreed to let me leave without remaining liable for the 6 month tenancy, and agreed to refund my deposit

So my question is this:

Would i be legally entitled to claim compensation for the additional removal costs incurred as a result of their lack of professionalism? Or at least the full rent and fees?
No.

You can ask of course and may get a goodwill agreemement since they seem generally sympathetic.

I moved in on the 8th of March, and out on the 9th. I was reluctant to return the keys until i had written confirmation that i could vacate without being held liable, and they told me to return the keys by the 14th...so they have billed me for the period 8th- 14th march, and refunded the rest of the month.

Seems very fair.

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