Moved into houshare and already want to leave

Come on, there’s no way all the things listed were things you just miss.

Were you wearing a blindfold when you read the thread? She missed the mould. Other than that the kitchen was clean and the landlord said the junk was being removed. It’s not that hard.

Glad it’s sorted op.

That's a good outcome OP, I'm pleased for you. I think basically if your gut says "get out" - then get out! Surely that can't be right that it's illegal to have a lock on your door though?

She’s in a contract.

Weird you didn't notice that straight away. Leave!

For it to turn so quickly after you visit…means they really don’t do a good job.
sorry op.

house share is as crappy as can be sometimes!

I feel bad for you OP but you need to be proactive now if you can't leave. The fridge is dirty because it hasn't been cleaned. That's on the tenants and if housemates don't do it you'll have to do it yourself. Likewise you can fix the toilet seat. Bring your own each time if you have to. You can remove the mould in your room and bathroom and increase ventilation by always keeping a window open, if this continues take photos over a couple of days or weeks showing it returning and then bring it to the landlord. I had a similar issue in a house share with a flatmate who refused to open a window when showering. The problem was manageable just by opening it immediately afterwards and cleaning as it started to form. (Depends on type of mould though). The bathroom needs a deep clean. If others won't do it you do it yourself. It a crap situation but you can bring most things up to your standards just don't expect flatmates with lower standards to help.

Edit sorry I didn't see the update. Good news OP!! Well done

Just leave, not a lot landlord can do. If they press for court, legally they would have to prove they couldn't let the room. Don't let the landlord try and tell you the law.

Were you wearing a blindfold when you did the viewing?

Good news that your getting deposit back next place please inspect it closely and carefully and ask questions

As for the door locks if it's a HMO then their allowed and a house share is different I have lived in both before house share no locks hmo lock on door

It's an HMO if 3 or more tenants live there, with shared kitchen and bathrooms.

You can check on the Shelter website the regulations for this.

A lot of London boroughs have their own stricter regulations and permits for HMOs. Check what yours has in place and make sure its registered.

Mould isn’t a dirt issue, it’s a damp issue. You can bleach it and it will disappear for a couple of days but then be right back because the spores are deep. It needs specialist treatment to remove. This is 100% a landlord issue because it’s a serious health hazard.

@SandrenaIsMyBloodType unfortunately that is the reality for many renters, living with complete strangers, no background checks and no security. Its pretty horrible that it's based on luck.

If you can’t get out of the contract, you can . > put on a new toilet seat yourself
> get your own fridge in your room
> tell the landlord to get rid of the junk furniture
> buy some anti-mold spray and use it. Also a mini dehumidifier

there are many things you can do to make a flat share nicer. So if you are in a good location and the other flatmates are ok then you can make it work.

With door locks, I believe there is a difference between a house-share and an HMO (House of Multiple Occupancy). House shares do not have locks as it’s a shared tenancy and HMO’s do as each occupant has their own tenancy agreement.
I don’t see how a house-share with strangers is safe. Anyone can walk into your room while you sleep (although I think a bolt on the inside of the door only may still be legal) or take your belongings while you are out.

I took a place which I had viewed but found one wall was thick with mould. I remember a major cleaning session with a friend and we got it to an acceptable level. The whole place was damp and I hadn't noticed when I viewed as heat was on high! Anyway with a bit of effort I was able to make it nice and stayed 18 months in the end. Any chance you can make the best of it? Appreciate communal areas make that more difficult.

i think if you are all on the same tenancy then no locks are required but if it’s a hmo and you are all on separate tenancies then locks are required to be fitted. I’m not an expert though and I’m sure someone will be along soon who does know the rules.

What kind of tenancy do you have? Does the landlord live there too?

@Kitty321cat11 it's unlikely you will be able to unwind the contract, is there a break clause?

As you'll be on the hook for the remainder of the contract, it may be cheaper to have a firm come in and do a one-off deep clean?

Who knows, the other tenants may chip in with the cost! 😉

I fail to see how you didn't notice these fairly major issues when you viewed the property? Have a look at your contract to see what you have to do to end the tenancy agreement - you may have to pay a penalty.

Aren't there new tenancy laws now that mean you actually cannot be tied into a contract? The Tenancy Rights Act states

Under the new tenancy laws (the Renters' Rights Act), you will no longer be tied to a full fixed-term contract and will be able to end your tenancy by giving two months' notice at any point.

Hopefully OP 2 months will be the max you have to pay for. Good luck sounds like a shit hole and having just looked at a load of properties with DD in central London it is disgusting what some landlords expect their tenants to live in.

You've signed up for 12 months and you can't get out of that so you'll have to make the best of it. Get your marigolds on and give everything a good clean. Get a fridge to keep in your room.

Legally where are you if you leave?
Ring / text / write to the landlord about the problems.

The cleaning rota should be easier than any other issues. What does your tenancy say about rota?

If the area is good and suspect you’re stuck in a contract then can you speak to your house mates and clean it up together. If you all muck in it won’t take long. Sort out the issues then ensure everyone is looking after the place. Windows open to prevent new mould. Regular cleaning of communal spaces by everyone.

Unlikely you’ll be able to get out of the contract, unless you can find someone to take it over. If you want clean you need to do the cleaning, not ideal but in the real world if no one else will do it it’ll be down to you.