No inventory and landlord refusing to remove junk
I have recently moved into a flat which was supposed to be rented part furnished. When I did the viewings the previous tenants showed me the furniture that was meant to be staying in the property and I was fine with it.
In real life, when I moved in, I discovered all sorts of clutter like old mattresses and moulded linen, electrical devices, rusted utensils, broken furniture etc. which were taking up the whole space. I asked the landlord to remove some which were not in use and he refused.
In addition, I heard from the agency that there is not going to be an inventory for this tenancy.
I just want to ask if anyone has ever been in that place, what am I supposed to do?
Would you advise me to get rid of some of this clutter as long as they are nowhere recorded?
Can the landlord prove that some staff had been in the property in the first place?
It is really unfair for me to pay for a loft in the flat when this is only serving as a storage for the landlord’s stuff.
Thank you
Chrysa
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Can you remove a difficult tenant from an agreement?
Member Since January 2011 - Comments: 12210 - Articles: 1410
8:04 PM, 24th March 2015, About 11 years ago
What a foolish landlord!
If he has no proof now of what was there when you moved in then he will have no proof later of what is missing will he? The burden of proof always falls on the landlord, especially if he tries to deduct money from your deposit.
As a matter of interest, did you pay a deposit and if so, did you landlord protect it in/with a government approved tenancy deposit scheme?
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Member Since April 2014 - Comments: 985 - Articles: 2
8:05 AM, 25th March 2015, About 11 years ago
Following on from Marks reply… and have you been in receipt of the deposit schemes prescribed information? Now that you are in possession of the property it would be quite difficult for the landlord to remove the rubbish to a tip. Also if you complain to the landlord you are in effect disclosing your knowledge of landlord possessions (even if rubbish) that could be used against you at a later date. If I were you I would hire a cheap van and dump it all. I assume some furnishings are still suffice to call it a furnished property, as that is what you are paying for. If not I would seek a rent reduction and legal advice.
Member Since November 2013 - Comments: 36
9:13 AM, 25th March 2015, About 11 years ago
Hi Chrysa
There are often two sides to the story. It may be that the Landlord is not as guilty as it may sound.
You have said that when you did the viewing it was the previous tenant that told you what furniture would be staying. However, you should have asked the Estate Agent. It is them who are responsible for providing you with the correct information on behalf of the Landlord.
For all we know, the Landlord may have a lousy Agent who has advised both sides poorly. The Landlord may have told the Agent that he will be storing furnishings in the loft.
On the day that you moved in was a check-in carried out by the Agent or the Landlord? Who noted the meter readings? That would have been the correct time to bring up any problems that you have with the condition of the property or the furnishings.
It may be the case that the Landlord is renting out the flat, but not the loft space. This would not be unusual. I know many landlords who use part of the property to store their furniture.
In future make sure that you have confirmation in writing, from the agent, of all the items that are part of your tenancy. Make sure you do this before you pay any deposit, rent or fees. That way there will be no doubt.
This may be a property that you wish to live in for many years, so attacking the Landlord may not be the best thing to do as soon as you have moved in. If you can sort this problem out amicably you may be better off in the long run. Check your tenancy agreement and see if there is any mention of access to the loft space. Perhaps you could agree to let him store some items in one part of the loft.
There are many advantages in having a good landlord / tenant relationship. For both sides.
Good luck, I hope it all works out well & you enjoy your home.
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 197
3:54 PM, 25th March 2015, About 11 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “ashley ” at “25/03/2015 – 09:13“:
Yes I agree with you Ashley . I also seal off the loft space myself and it is written on the inventory / contract. I always let the viewers know the situation on the day they look at property. No surprises then .