Problems with my rented house?

Question

I have just moved into my first house that im renting.
There are loads of little problems with it such as mouldy taps/cracks in doors/broken wardrobes etc.
There is no lock on the backgate and the house is next to a busy alleyway. The anti-theft strips have been removed from the wall. This means anyone could break-in so easy.
I have rang the letting agent everyday since ive been there about these things but he keeps fobbing me off saying he will talk to the landlord.
I dont want to keep nagging at them about it but im scared when the contract ends I will get the blame for all these things and lose my £700 deposit.
What can I do to make sure this dont happen??

Answer 1

put it all in writing...have a paper trail that shows you are being responsible and aware of the problems in the building. point out its in their benefit for the owner to put these things right. Make sure you can prove its was like this before you moved in.
landlords are never fast at paying out for things to be done..especially if you've only just moved in.

Answer 2

Hi there...I have had several properties I have rented out from time to time. The first thing you always want to do is do a walk-through. You make notes of everything you find, to be a problem, and give the lending agent see this, and sign off on this before you sign any rental agreement.

Unfortunately...you did not do this, and are now at their mercy in a way, as they can certainly claim you did this damage.

I am afraid there really is not much you can do, if they want to be jerks about it. I am not sure of the laws where you are, but here in the states, people end up in court over issues such as these...

Personally, I would look for a new place...and if they want to take you to court, you can bring in pictures, and explain that it was not adequate living arrangements...explain your concerns about the locks, and bring in all your pictures. Also note every call you make that does not get returned, and if possible record the conversations on tape, letting them know of course your are recording the conversation.

Answer 3

Getting items resolved by the landlord after the fact can be a problem. Especially since you are dealing with him/her thru a leasing agent. But you brought up an important point - when the contract ends you do not want to be blamed for these items and thus, end up losing your deposit.

I recommend that you make a listing of all of the items that need to be addressed and send them to the leasing agent via registered mail. Also, take photos of the most pressing items so that you can substantiate your position once the lease expires.

In the event your leasing agent does not reply in a timely manner, send them another registered letter advising them of your intent to address the most pressing items in your previous letter.

In the future, make sure that all outstanding work items are on paper prior to your move-in. That way it would be difficult for them to keep your deposit.

Answer 4

DOCUMENT EVERYTHING right now. Take pictures use a video camera. When you doing this make sure you include a picture or two using a newspaper DATED SHOWING so they can't say that you just took the pictures. I can't believe that you didn't pick up on this when you viewed the house. Don't TELL me you DIDN'T see this place BEFORE you rented it. And last to heck with calling the Realtor, GO THERE in person. CONFRONT them in the open and hopefully there will be a prospective client with them when you do. You'll get their attention real quick.

Answer 5

As OriginalB said, you should have had an inventory when you took over the house. If you did not, I suggest you complete a list of all that is wrong with the property. Date and sign it and send it to the letting agents, remembering to keep a copy for yourself. Unless you can hand deliver it, I would suggest posting it by recorded delivery.

Answer 6

Yeah you should nag them and keep doing it until they do something about it to shut you up. Don't let them take advantage of you. Take pictures, write a list and go visit in person with said pictures and list. Know the hierarchy of these people. If you can't get satisfaction with the letting agent. Let them know you will personally visit the landlord. Don't act snotty with an attitude, be courteous, and professional. Let them you mean business.

Answer 7

write alog of everything u have noticed get a copy for u a copy for letting agent and a copy for ur landlord . Put dates ect on these send them off write a cover note on each of these explaining why u have done this , u should aslo go find a website for the tennants association there is 1 out there soz dont know web address but play abouot with words on ur search engine u will find something i am sure of this. let ur landlord ect know that ur going to get on the phine to these people and ur solicitor if it is not sorted they are your landlord u ahve rights to live in a nice comfortable secure surrounding Good luck with it all x

Answer 8

I've been there myself, I moved into a rented property and there was a load things needed doing. I was lucky because my house was managed by an estate agent whom I knew personally, but not everybody has that luxury.

But I would say to them either fix the problens, or you will report them to the council and the estate agents ombudsman.

Good Luck

Answer 9

You should have filled out a pre inspection report listing all the damage current at the time of move in. That report would then make sure that you are not responsible for damage existing at move in. As for the mold and the saftey factor I know here in the US you can get out of a lease with your money refunded if the house is deemed uninhabitable as far as health and saftey goes.

Answer 10

get a disposeable camera and take photo's along with a witness the letting agent is correct in telling you to deal with the land lord for it is his duties to see to these thing thier only an agent meaning they are really only a messenger between the tow of you so take photo's and a written account of your problems i'd also save a copy of this post as well as it's dated seeing as you just moved in it should be fine with just the pictures the sooner the better