Help! New home is filthy beyond belief

Slithery

brianposter said:

It would seem sensible to ask that the previous tenants deposit be spent on cleaning.

Sensible, yes. Is the LL legally obliged to do so? No.

youth_leader

So sorry to read this Chewybacca, I'm amazed, tenant obviously didn't care their deposit would be forfeited.  When you contact the LL ask him to replace that fridge, the seal has obviously gone and it won't be keeping your food at the right temperature.

Murphybear

brianposter said:

It would seem sensible to ask that the previous tenants deposit be spent on cleaning.

brianposter said:

It would seem sensible to ask that the previous tenants deposit be spent on cleaning.

Unless of course the previous tenant had the same problem as you and found it in a poor state when they moved in.  

HampshireH

You say damp/mould was conveniently hidden behind furniture

I disagree with this. It will be the lack of ventilation being behin the furniture which caused it. Most people don't have a look, see mould and think "oh ok pop that back and hide it"

Having lived in a rented flat that didnt have any evident damp issues until one day I moved my furniture and the wall was black, I can confirm I had no idea it was there until then. Turned out the air bricks had been blocked and papered over -. Very unhelpful

Skiddaw1

Chewy, I can't suggest anything not already suggested but just wanted to pass on a virtual hug. I'd have been beside myself if it were me. People really do behave appallingly sometimes don't they?

dimbo61

So take lots of photos and email to the landlord and letting agents !
Have you received all the correct documents ?
The Gas Safe Certificate if you have a gas boiler, gas hob /oven or gas fire ?
What about the EPC for the property ?
EICR report ( Electrical Inspection and Condition report )
This shows the electrics are safe and up to standard !
Does the extractor fan work in the cooker hood, kitchen and bathroom ?
Do the windows all open to help reduce condensation and damp.
Is the property warm ? Well insulated ? ( Check the EPC )
I would expect every single light fitting to have LED energy saving lighting as led bulbs cost peanuts to buy.

Marvel1

What is on the inventory?

I hope you took videos etc 

ChewyyBacca

HampshireH said:

You say damp/mould was conveniently hidden behind furniture

I disagree with this. It will be the lack of ventilation being behin the furniture which caused it. Most people don't have a look, see mould and think "oh ok pop that back and hide it"

Having lived in a rented flat that didnt have any evident damp issues until one day I moved my furniture and the wall was black, I can confirm I had no idea it was there until then. Turned out the air bricks had been blocked and papered over -. Very unhelpful

yeah what you are saying is possible, only if one or two damp spots were outliers, and rest of the house was decent. 
These people were filthy, dirty living was their way of life. pictures speak a thousand words.. I'm attaching a few here.
 i have some 100 more. 

While viewing bathroom, tall shower caddy with 6-8 tall bottles were kept in the corner, to hide the mould. we never opened oven or double door American fridge freezer or extractor or kitchen cabinets or washing machine.  Why? because covid and even in normal times its rude and intrusive to open someone else's stuff. But now, we learn, people are hopeless.

And the bins are making me go angry and defeated, both at the same time.

ChewyyBacca

dimbo61 said:

So take lots of photos and email to the landlord and letting agents !
Have you received all the correct documents ?
The Gas Safe Certificate if you have a gas boiler, gas hob /oven or gas fire ?
What about the EPC for the property ?
EICR report ( Electrical Inspection and Condition report )
This shows the electrics are safe and up to standard !
Does the extractor fan work in the cooker hood, kitchen and bathroom ?
Do the windows all open to help reduce condensation and damp.
Is the property warm ? Well insulated ? ( Check the EPC )
I would expect every single light fitting to have LED energy saving lighting as led bulbs cost peanuts to buy.

everything is there, except EICR, report will be given to us soon. 
epc is E, will know more when we live there. 

Light fittings - out of 8, only 2 spotlights working. others 50% lights working. loft light not working. we have to go and buy a lot of these

youth_leader

I am so sorry, lots of elbow grease required. Careful with Mr Muscle oven cleaner, it ran down a woman's arms over her rubber gloves and burnt her.  I googled mould and it seems vinegar kills mould spores, apply it liberally.  

As for the bins, my seller left both of mine full of mixed rubbish too.  I had to tip them both out, sort the rubbish from the recycling, and went to the dump.  Have you got a local recycling centre you could take it to?