Estate agent problem, can anyone help?

[Kittysparks1]

Hi rather trivial this one but need to know where I stand.

Need to move out of current property. Found another property. Paid almost 3k all in all with fees deposit etc etc. Asked to be present at the inventory and they said no. Got the keys last Monday. Went to the property. It is filthy. The oven has not been cleaned is my big bug bare. I don't mind cleaning the rest.
Called the estate agent on Monday, he came round, agreed it was dirty, said he will be in touch.
Called him again on Wednesday. He again said he would call me back.
Called again on Friday. He told me to contact head office.
Called head office on Saturday. They said it's the branches responsibility and they cannot do anything.

Is this allowed? The place was meant to be professionally cleaned before we moved in. I have to pay for my current property to be professionally cleaned before I move out.

I HATE cleaning the oven.

I want to pay a company to do it and then invoice the estate agent. I didn't move in all last week thinking they were gunna sort it. So I've paid a weeks rent without even living there.

Aibu? Shall I just clean the damn oven and get on with it?

[SpringSnowdrop]

Surely you’re inconveniencing yourself far more by not moving in? I agree it’s annoying and we had the same situation but I just cleaned it all myself. (Not saying that’ was right)

I think you should take photos if need proof and wait for an answer as the estate agent can’t go on for ever not answering. Can you turn up and talk to them?)

[Mehfruittea]

I had this issue, although it was about 15 yrs ago so not sure if more protection is in place these days. EA agreed it was dirty and offered to pay for cleaning materials plus replace the oven. I cooked a cheese pizza my first night and it was speckled with black dots that dripped from the top inside of the oven. Eurgh! Then the hot water tank turned out to be plumbed in wrong and my cold water tank was being filled with hot water. Cost me a fortune and was on a prepay meter. My toilet was being flushed with hot water etc. I asked for rent reduction. They told me to move out. I got my deposit back at least.

[BabsGangoush]

Have you purchased the property or are you renting?

To be honest, even if it had been cleaned I'd still probably clean it myself. Even the oven. I wouldn't expect professional cleaners to clean to my standard.

The EA are trying to fob you off so it's just a case of who will capitulate first.

[19lottie82]

Make sure you don’t sign the inventory before making the necessary amendments to it, if it’s incorrect and states the place (and oven is clean)

[19lottie82]

PS a rental property doesn’t have to be professionally cleaned when you move in (or out), you just need to leave it in the same condition you found it in, when you move out

[DeadGood]

Did you receive a copy of the inventory? What was the company that did it?

The owner can’t just do it themselves. If they do, they leave themselves open at the end of the tenancy to whatever state you leave the flat in. No tribunal will rule in their favour if they have a self-made inventory.

[Partyfops]

There is no need for you to be at the inventory ( I'm an inventory clerk it would just distract me from doing a good job). But the inventory needs to be accurate. Does it state the place is dirty?

If so, clean it now but not at the end of your tenancy.