DS2 is at university a long way from home ...
Two accommodation problems have arisen.
- Student let - house in multiple occupation - last year to now was a disaster. The house, the flat, the communal areas, his room were all filthy - much of the dirt was engrained and remains so - radiators leaked/never came on - his mattress was stained (eventually changed to a thin, uncomfortable one) - kitchen heaving with grime - sofa old and unlikely to be fire retardant - carpets thin and filthy - son's window broken all year - mould galore - no sign of gas safety certs - courtyard below son's bedroom full of bin bags that (still) haven't been picked up for months - on and on. Another mum rang the landlord - I contacted the local council who said that the agent (managing on behalf of the owner) was on their radar. They visited, gave him an ultimatum but I don't know what happened after that.
The students repeatedly asked the agent to repair windows, radiators, deal with mould but he didn't do a thing.
Some of DS's rent was outstanding & DH and I went to see the agent yesterday. He was in a foul mood - swearing - moaning about the complaints - told us that the flat is cleaned weekly, which it most certainly isn't and insisted on us paying up in full. Didn't understand that he most certainly hasn't fulfilled his side of the contract, he shouldn't be charging any of the tenants full whack. Paid up (taking deposit off) so he wouldn't lash out at DS (who has run out of money - the rent was high).
Now, I'm thinking that this was all so wrong. Could say that this is all now history - the students move out tomorrow - or could try to get some of the high rent back. How would I do that? We have masses of evidence - unanswered emails, photos, council involvement - but are such landlords are a law unto themselves? At the very least, the uni housing office should be appraised. This agent should definitely be on a black list.
- DS's new place - paradise in comparison but ... agent wants, in addition to first month's rent (OK) and guarantor form signed (OK), deposit (paid) - a hefty admin fee of £140.00 and a 'tenant deposit protection scheme fee' of £45.00. Is this normal? I understand that deposits should be protected by law but does a tenant pay the fee for this? DS will be sharing with one other student and unfortunately, it's not a student let (they were in very short supply) so the full rental period starts now and they'll be responsible for all utility bills.
Can anyone cast light on what we can/should do about agent no 1 and the fees re agent no 2? Many thanks.