Access obstructed to rented property

nb_berenice

I've just signed a contract on a newly refurbished flat. As part of the refurbishment the landlord has been using a skip that is placed across the entrance to the flat. I can squeeze past but am unable to move in due to not enough space to move in my furniture, white goods, etc. I have shared my situation with the renting agency and landlord, and asked if it can be moved ASAP so I can actually move in. Hopefully it will be resolved in a few days, but if there is no action within a week or so do I have a right to refuse payment of rent for those days where I could not obtain unobstructed access?

la531983

When does the contract actually start? 

theartfullodger

'phone up skip company and get it removed.  It's your property.

nb_berenice

la531983 said:

When does the contract actually start? 

Started 4 days ago. Landlord arranged for whitegoods to be delivered (it is partcially furnished). I had to be there for delivery to take place. The delivery guys had to turnaround since they could not get goods past the skip.

pramsay13

You can't withhold rent, but you can argue that you should get money back.
Is he finished using the skip and just waiting for uplift? If so it shouldn't be too long. 
Is there no other entrance?

nb_berenice

pramsay13 said:

You can't withhold rent, but you can argue that you should get money back.
Is he finished using the skip and just waiting for uplift? If so it shouldn't be too long. 
Is there no other entrance?

Think they finished using skip and just waiting for uplift. No other entrance. Just a bit disappointed as agency/landlord stated it would be ready to move in on that date, and yes we can move in ourselves - just without mattress, seats, fridge, etc. Understood about withold rent.

la531983

To be fair the skip uplift is out of his hands, they can be notorious slow to pick them up. 

bluelad1927

la531983 saidi:

To be fair the skip uplift is out of his hands, they can be notorious slow to pick them up. 

It's in his hands in respect of him chasing the skip company continuously until they remove

la531983

bluelad1927 said:

la531983 saidi:

To be fair the skip uplift is out of his hands, they can be notorious slow to pick them up. 

It's in his hands in respect of him chasing the skip company continuously until they remove

Of course but they are still a law onto themselves in my experience 

bluelad1927

I would also highlight this as a fire risk. You may be able to squeeze yourself through a gap but if the skip was set on fire which does happen too frequently then your exit could be severely impeded

lookstraightahead

This is your home. I wonder if your landlord would like someone else's skip on their property without permission.