New rental extremely dirty

Jaxon2390

I was meant to get the keys for my new rented flat last week. Unfortunately the previous tenant did not move out on time, so I didn't get the keys until yesterday. I've signed a new AST to change the start/end dates of the tenancy.

Within the AST, I also added the following "The Landlord has agreed to have the property professionally cleaned by a third-party company prior to the commencement of the Tenancy at their own cost.". Unfortunately the flat is extremely dirty and hasn't been cleaned at all. I've asked the landlord to fix this, but initial thoughts are that this rental is going to be a nightmare. The flat was advertised as allocated parking, which isn't true (although this was left out of the tenancy). The buzzer phones in all the flats are broken so you won't know if anyone is at the property to see you e.g. (signed for parcels).

My question is, if the landlord does not clean the flat appropriately now that I've let him know, where do I stand with ending our contract, as they have broken it?

Some photos as examples (delete the space)
http s://ibb.co/jfgCCf0
http s://ibb.co/dPD3hKt
http s://ibb.co/jkhGFW7
http s://ibb.co/YL1qCcm
http s://ibb.co/9NLwHJv
http s://ibb.co/bdGXy4w
http s://ibb.co/Zg1p4q3

scholesfan88

Just get your marigolds out!

Jaxon2390

I think I’ll need a chisel and hammer for the washing machine. :eek:

tacpot12

Did the landlord sign the agreement after you had changed it?

If so, the landlord could be in breach of the agreement and you may be able to get out of it. Have a read of the section on Ending a tenancy if the landlord is in breach of the contract on this webpage:

https://www.housingrights.org.uk/news/can-tenant-leave-property-tenancy-agreement-expires

If the parking space wasn't in the Tenancy agreement, your landlord doesn't have to provide it.

need_an_answer

You will have been given an inventory at the start of your tenancy documenting the condition and cleanliness of the property when you moved in.

Mark on that inventory where you disagree with the condition and return it to the LL with your additional pictures as necessary to provide evidence of how you took over the property.


Clean it yourself to your standard and keep the photos you have already taken.

When you move out you will need to leave the property in at least the condition you took it over...if you leave it better then there will be a case for you to claim any proposed deposit deductions back from the LL

Jaxon2390

Thanks all. An inventory was done before I arrived at the property. I’ve not seen it or signed it. I was advised I’d receive the report soon.

The landlord also said to use the meter readings on the report. I’ve not got a key to the meter cupboards.

On top of this, the ceramic hobs are all cracked which I assume will need replacing as I believe it can be dangerous.

theartfullodger

Take LOADS of high-def photos, time & date-stamped. Ideally get a witness.


When you leave return it in the same state.


Such a shame tenants don't require references regarding landlord from prior tenants..

coffeehound

Jaxon2390 wrote: »

The landlord also said to use the meter readings on the report. I’ve not got a key to the meter cupboards.

Pop into a convenience store or poundland and buy a meter cabinet key asap. Take the readings as early into your tenancy as possible — including the water meter, which may be in the property somewhere or out on the pavement under a metal cover.

need_an_answer

I've now had chance to look at the photos and whilst I can understand your frustration,they are quite typical of the state that I have had my rental properties returned by tenants.

I agree its not been cleaned so that sets the standard for how you could return the property when you vacate.


The inside of the washing machine lining can be cleaned reasonably easily(cilit bang do a black mould spray or you can use soda crystals and vinegar.There are several you tube pieces on this) as can the inside of the drawer(a bleach solution will bring the drawer up clean)


The oven will need a go with a pack of oven pride you can buy these for around £3 and it really will clean it well...you probably will need to do it overnight for best results


The limescale around the plug and tap fittings should come away easily with some limescale remover...HG do a good one


The bottom of the shower screen could also be cleaned although in honesty I've found that if you check the size and style of the plastic bit,you can buy a new section from somewhere like ebay for around £5...its actually not worth paying for any form of cleaner and the time it takes to bring it up clean.


Its a days work for you which in essence you could return to the LL and ask to be recompensed for time and materials to clean...however in some ways the option to leave it unclean when you leave may be more appealing to you!!

Jaxon2390

Thanks.

I had such a good relationship with my previous landlord. With this new property, the landlord owns the entire block and it's run a business. It's been problem to problem over the last week. The cooker hobs are all cracked as well which I believe is going to have to be replaced as it's dangerous. The previous tenant has taken the key for the post box, landlord said he will get a spare cut but now the previous tenant has access to my post.

Thankfully I added a 6 month break clause into the contract. Will start looking for a new property in 4 months.

need_an_answer

Can you post a pic of the cooker hobs so that perhaps we can see the extent of the damage and then advise.

I'm no expert on ceramic hobs I'm afraid but I'm sure someone else here will be.

Don't write the place of yet...it sounds as if these are all teething problems that should have been sorted out between tenants in the void period but as the LL chose the option for there being no void they are obviously falling on you to chase outstanding issues.

Perhaps a polite email to the LL reminding them of how the property was handed to you wouldn't go a miss....and will document your issues/problems should there be any problem at check out in the future