Is this normal?

[Sausagedog27]

Got our fixtures and fittings list back today for the house we hope to buy. Owner is taking all the curtains and poles, all the light fittings, two carpets (random) and the toilet seat. I fell about laughing at the last one.

I'm in shock- please come tell me your funny stories about fixtures and fittings to make me feel better!

[GreenEggsAndNichts]

I'll be honest, we didn't check the list beforehand as it was all very out of date (children selling their parents' home) and weren't particularly worried. I did note that sometime between the EA's photos and our viewing the house, they'd gotten rid of the ancient tiny hob. A bit annoying as we'll have to live without one until I decide on a kitchen, but whatever.

Then exchange day came and the final act by the guy was to remove all the curtains. All old, remnants of the 70s which probably hadn't been cleaned since I was a small girl. Exactly the sort of thing you would think he'd leave, as he can't possibly want to use them again but they would actually be useful for us as we need window coverings until we get proper ones.

Totally bizarre.

Meanwhile, he did leave a table and chairs, the chairs are actually back in retro fashion and he could have sold them for a bit of money. Same with the light fixtures, he left all of those.

Toilet seat, though, really? Perhaps he has fond memories.

[PatriciaHolm]

We took a toilet seat ;-) it was a special blue glass one and the kids loved it! We did replace it though...

Our vendors left loads of furniture, due to miscommunication between warring divorcees...

[ExhaustTed]

We were trying to buy a house once and the fixtures and fittings list said that if we wanted the garden shed that it would be £1000 extra. So we said no thank you, and they then tried to charge us to get it removed. That was one of the many barking reasons that the sale fell through. We were gutted at the time (about the sale, not the shed) but it was def fot the best in the long run.

[notcitrus]

Our vendors said they'd take everything if we didn't pay whatever we'd knocked off the price after the survey. They were miffed we didn't appreciate her dad's improvements and rejected their battered piano.

So we moved in to find actually they hadn't bothered removing the high light bulbs or appliances etc after all - the place had been empty for a couple years and they'd just left it.

Which meant we had fridge, washer, dishwasher etc to sell for a few quid. Which we needed, see reference to survey above...

[Sausagedog27]

Glad it isn't just me! I think it's the toilet seat that has really got me- I'm going to have to clarify that it will be replaced (I have visions of not being able to use the toilet when we move.

She got a good price for the house as well!

sigh

[noisytoys]

Our vendors left everything. The carpet with a million stains, the 60's light fittings, a loft full of junk

They took the bath panel though

[Notyetthere]

Last week I read on MSE about a couple who moved into their new home to find the lawn had been taken!

[Sausagedog27]

Bath panels and lawn? Wow! There are just no words!

[mistlethrush]

I would get it confirmed that they are going to get an electrician fit standard pendant fittings if they are taking the light fittings, and demand the evidence prior to completion, and get confirmation that the loo seat is to be replaced. I would also require confirmation that no damage would be done in removing the curtain poles - or they would need to make it good before hand over < this to include filling in holes and touching up in the correct colour.

Taking curtains is one thing - but poles are not exactly irreplaceable.

Light fittings - are they really that 'wonderful' that they can't be replaced?

[frostyfingers]

At least they told you! We took a toilet seat but replaced it with a plain white plastic one, we also took the wooden light pulls, but again replaced them. I wouldn't worry about it - you'll probably pleased they've gone. I think the f&f form does say that they have to fill in holes from removing fittings etc - make sure before you sign.

When we moved in we had to empty the attic of all their rubbish, including some furniture (lovely removal men did it), plus a sodding great shed full of stuff. They also left behind the back of a refrigerated lorry - full size - who knew they were so sought after?!

Good luck.

[Sausagedog27]

Good idea on the confirmation- I'd only thought of that for the toilet seat but not for the electrics. They are taking the 'cover for the external light' am going to clarify what this exactly means- I want it made safe as I don't particularly like the thought of a light left open to the elements!

Light fittings I'm not too worried about- its just in the short term we could do without the expense.

They are moving into a refurbished house with fixtures and fittings included so it all feels a bit personal (if you get me!) ah well, I'm sure I will get over it! At least she is leaving the lawn!

[Sausagedog27]

Sounds as if I'm getting off lightly! Refrigerated lorry?!

[Follyfoot]

I once bought a house where they wanted me to pay extra....for the pond (it was tiny!). I suggested they took it with them and then filled the hole back in so they did

[mistlethrush]

They really do need to leave you with properly fitted pendant light fittings where they take something down - or if a wall light, a replacement inexpensive wall light (although we still have one which we've not got round to putting up even though we moved in 9 years ago - our lot asked very nicely if we minded if they took their dining room lights as they liked them - but did leave most lights with something up!

[chickenfactory]

Ours vendors took all the light fittings (except a bathroom one that looked like it was made from the little mermaids tail) the towel rails, loo roll holders, mirrors, curtains, poles and blinds. Left holes everywhere so we had to pay to get whole house painted. We did get them to put basic light fittings back up but they only left 2 lightbulbs in a 4bed house!! My poor uncle was moving a hot light bulb from room to room the first night just so we could look round!