withholding rent on uncomplete property?

Question

i just moved into a flat a week and a half ago, when we look at the property it was still being revovated and had no complete kitchen and many other things including no carpet and hot water etc. We gave them the date we wanted to move in and said fine it will be all finished by then.

When we went to sign the lease, pay the money and collect the keys we were told that the kitchen still need a tiny bit of work which would be done next morning. We got to the property to find nothing had been done, the kitchen was in pieces nothing was installed and we had no hot water also it was still uncomplete throughout and full of building supplies and dirt.

We immideatily called the agents who said it would be all done saturday, a week passed before anything was done and now it still isnt finsihed, the kitchen/lounge is still unlivable and many many things still incomplete.

Can we withhold rent for every day its not done?

Answer 1

Call the health dept./zoning board/agency controlling LL's in your arrea, it sounds like she is inviolation as even a Certificate of Occupancy probably would not be issued.

Then MOVE!

Answer 2

Write them a letter stating that until the outstanding jobs are completed and the flat is fit for habitation,you will be witholding the rent.Keep a copy and place your rent in an envelope and lodge it with your bank/solicitor so they can see you are honest and not trying to live rent free. Good luck.

Answer 3

How ridiculous that they expect to receive rent for this property. You have signed a tenancy agreement, I take it? If this property is not ready for occupation then they are in breach of their part of the agreement, for which you should be recompensed. Put your facts in writing and stand your ground - this is not a professional situation here and they are definitely in the wrong if you want to take it further.

Answer 4

The property is not fit for occupancy yet. Demand that they move you into a unit that is ready, at their expense of course.