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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to want my ceiling repaired?

19 replies

kidyounot · 07/03/2011 13:17

We've just moved into a new flat (rented) and the ceiling had a very ugly spot from a previous leak (which already dried). The walls are in aweful state too. I told the landlord about it a couple of weeks ago and they (it's an agency) promised to fix it at the end of the week. Didn't hear from them, so I called them last week and got the same vague answer. Today, it was more or less the same, they say they'll send someone to repair it this week or the next one. They don't reply my emails and it's me who has to keep on calling.

I don't want to pester anyone, but I am beginning to think they just want me to get tired and forget about it :S

Do you think there is there anything I can do to put more pressure on them? Should I believe them? I come from another country, so I don't know how long these things usually take in the UK. I hope IANBU. :/

OP posts:

ashamedandconfused · 07/03/2011 13:19

They will have a couple of handy men/firms which they use for all the minor repairs etc on all their properties, so your job keeps being moved down the list as its not urgent, thats what i think

Original poster

kidyounot · 07/03/2011 13:24

So what can I do to get them to repair it? Camp in front of their office with some signs? Call Tony Soprano???

OP posts:

FabbyChic · 07/03/2011 13:25

Sorry but can you not paint it yourself? YOu did accept the property in it's current state and should not have done so if you were not happy with it.

Every single rented property I have lived in I have decorated myself.

2rebecca · 07/03/2011 13:28

If you didn'thave their agreement to fix it within a week in writing you are stuffed.

Original poster

kidyounot · 07/03/2011 13:29

So, it seems like IABU after all! :(

In the contract it says they should look after maintenance. That hapenned AFTER we saw the flat, in the month while the previous tenants were moving out, anyway. And it's not just some painting what it needs, it's a major thing, I wouldn't be able to do it myself.

OP posts:

risingstar · 07/03/2011 13:32

yanbu to want it sorted out.

from my experience of renting though, i would never rent a property on a promise of work being carried out.

my best friend is just moving out of a property that she has only been in for for 6 months. she moved in on the understanding that the heating and water would be fixed.

she has had 6 months of hassle. the landlords are now gobsmacked that she has given notice

Desperateforthinnerthighs · 07/03/2011 13:34

How is it rented - through the council or a private landlord?? Maybe the agency havent managed to get hold of the landlord yet....

Just keep pestering them, am sure they will get it sorted eventually. Annoying I know but quite common I am sure in the world of living in a rented property.

Original poster

kidyounot · 07/03/2011 13:39

It's private renting, and the landlord is an agency. The funniest thing is that we were reassured several times by the estate agent that showed us the flat that they were really serious and very quick in fixing things... ha!

OP posts:

kenobi · 07/03/2011 13:48

If the stain/water damage happened after the check in/inventory/change over then FabbyChic is wrong and they HAVE to fix it. If it happened before then she's right and the onus is on you as you took the flat 'as is'.

I'd keep pestering frankly, but also check your contract. If you've just moved in you might have an early break in your contract saying that if you're not happy you'll move right out again. They won't want this and it might put a rocket under them.

Also if it is a major leak and might make the ceiling unstable, then they have to sort it asap as they have a legal obligation to your safety.

JenniPenni · 07/03/2011 13:49

Pester! Pester! Pester! Phone every day a couple of times if you have to. Till it's done. Threaten to go to the Ombudsman. Damp is bad for your health (esp if you are asthmatic/have other respiratory problems), plus they said they would do it.

They are hoping you will get tired of bothering them and will just live with it. DON'T. You pay your rent on time, they need to make sure the premises are fine... it goes both ways.

(Speaking as a landlord here)

risingstar · 07/03/2011 13:52

you took the word of an estate agent?
yabu in that case!!

no, seriously though- if it wasnt in that state when you viewed then it is not on- it is not what you agreed to at all.

Desperateforthinnerthighs · 07/03/2011 13:54

Yeah, keep pestering every day. I am a landlord too and I always get repairs done as soon as the agency notify me of them.......they should want the house kept in good order anyway. Maybe go and see them as well as phoning just to push things along a bit....

sb6699 · 07/03/2011 13:54

I have exactly the same problem. I moved into my house last year and am still waiting for them to fix the damp patch they promised they would see to before we moved in.

Am also waiting on them repairing the lights that were damaged during the leak.

I'm not sure what you can do - they are supposed to fix it for you but you might find if you argue your rights too much they will serve you with notice when your lease is due for renewal.

Original poster

kidyounot · 07/03/2011 13:58

Now - about the inventory, that is another thing. They charged us 75 to get it done, and send us both copies to sign and mail back to them. But I haven't done it yet, because I think there are many little things that aren't reflected. I am fine with them (minor things, really), but don't want to be charged for repairs after we leave, in the future. Can I ask them to change the inventory? Will we have to pay again?

OP posts:

Original poster

kidyounot · 07/03/2011 14:00

What's the Ombudsman?

And yes, I'm scared, the ceiling looks like it's going to fall over our heads any time, and same with the floor. Whenever DD jumps or runs a little we are really scared... it's an old flat in a superb location, but it's really old :S

OP posts:

jeee · 07/03/2011 14:04

You MUST make the changes to the inventory - I'd write problems on their copy, and send it back to them - and obviously make the same changes to your copy which you retain, so you remember what you've told them. If you do not do that, they will charge you for repairs in the future.

Do not let them charge you again. I have no idea of the legal position, but if you simply sign the inventory you are agreeing that it is correct. And you clearly don't believe this to be the case. Never sign something just to get somebody off your back.

kenobi · 07/03/2011 14:05

The inventory has be be agreed by both parties before it's signed so for GODS SAKE don't sign it and send it back until you are happy with it. It's a mutual agreement.

I'm amazed you were able to move in without a completed inventory btw

You need to speak to these chaps housing ombudsman

(I'm a landlord as well and I am currently paying £400 to get a leak fixed in my flat's ceiling so yeah, your people can damn well sort it out as well!)

Original poster

kidyounot · 07/03/2011 14:17

If I just make the changes to inventory using pen and then sign it, would that be valid (legally speaking)?

OP posts:

sb6699 · 07/03/2011 14:27

Make the changes and then get the letting agent to sign the amended copy.

Also take lots and lots of photographs!

Flip