To expect to actually be able to hang clothes in my wardrobe?

[princelypurpleparrot]

We've just moved into a rented house. There are a few annoying issues that need sorting, and the managing estate agents have been a bit rubbish which is annoying.

But today when I finally got to speak to someone who should be able to get things moving, I just dispaired! One of the issues is that one wardrobe (that was requested by us and is written in the contract) has the hanging rail missing. I don't know where it's from, just has two cheap looking holes where the rail should go, so don't know how if get hold of one.

Anyway, the woman told me that this is not the kind of thing they usually ask landlords for, as they've provided a wardrobe, it not having a rail is irrelevant.

So basically I've been given a wooden box to hang clothes in! Is this what I'll have to put up with as a tenant (paying bloody extortionate rent)?!!

What does it say in the inventory? If the wardrobe is on the inventory, and it's not marked that the rail is missing, then yes, you have grounds to complain and you should! Of course it is relevant.

You need to write to them formally and explain that you need a replacement because the inventory states there is a wardrobe and does not state that the hanging rail is missing (if that's the case).

You could always put a rail up you know.. it wouldnt be difficult, or even cost very much.

No inventory yet, they have 8 days to provide it and we're not there yet.

Maybe I could put a rail in it, but as I said its a cheap wardrobe with really crappy small round holes, not sure how I'd get one.

But them I shouldn't bloody have to, should I?!

That sounds odd - usually an inventory is something you ask to see before you move in? It doesn't make sense to see it after as you've already signed the contract.

I think they may be taking the piss if they've had you move in without an inventory, and I suppose there's nothing you can do. They probably thought that if you didn't insist on seeing one before you signed, you'd be an easy pushover.

I think you'd probably best put a rail up yourself, but it'd annoy me too.

Ikea sell rails, they are not very expensive but I don't think that's the point, it's like giving you a window with no glass in it, without the rail it's not a functional item. I would keep banging on about it. I am concerned that you have moved in without a completed inventory on day one, they could write anything on it now and claim that you've removed it from the property.

Well no, its like giving you a cutlery drawer with no divider in it. Some people just stack their clothes up, rather than hang them.

I would just measure it and order one online from a shop like Screwfix.

As part of the contract I signed a form that specified what was provided, table, white goods, wardrobes etc. So it's in writing that a wardrobe has been provided. That's all I need to demand its functional, surely?

No, it's not like a window with no glass.

If you've not seen an inventory I don't think you have a leg to stand on. The wardrobe is functional. It has space for a hanging rail but none is provided. If you wanted one, why did you not wait for the inventory? Or why did you not check when you looked at the property and insist you needed a hanging rail?

smoggii the house was unfurnished except those three things, and that has been signed for so I'm not concerned about that.

squeaky are you the estate agent ?! Some people may well stack their clothes, but generally wardrobes come with a hanging function, no? Or am I just odd?!

Oh and this is a reputable lettings agency, not some fly-by-night.

A wardrobe is something to put clothes in. Can you put clothes IN it. Yes. :) It is therefore functional.

LR there was nothing here when we looked around. We were asked what we wanted once we agreed to take it ( if anything) I said 2 wardrobes and a table, they were provided and signed for. No opportunity to actually see them before we moved in. that's pretty standard. I took dated photos on the day we moved in of anything that wasn't on tip top condition, including the wardrobe.

No, that's not standard at all IME. Very odd. Given that legally you need the inventory, I think it's always a good idea to insist on it. You're relying on the good will of your LL and I think that's never a great plan. It should work - but it doesn't always.

thing is if there is space where a hanging rail was and you don't get one put in then they will prob try and charge you saying you broke it when you move out!

I think it is poor that there isn't a rail. The wardrobe is obviously supposed to have one as there are holes for it. If it is a cheap wardrobe it may have broken and not been replaced. Wardrobes always have hanging poles in them otherwise you would use a chest of drawers.

Would anyone seriously open a wardrobe door to check there was a rail in it on move in day? What kind of person would deem it necessary? Oh by the way I used to be a Lettings Officer!

Thanks new, that's what I think too! As soon as we realised there was a problem we called them (on moving day). I'm standing my ground with this and shall be speaking to them again tomorrow

new - I would, so would most people I know. It's normal to check, surely? We'd usually find you had to check the inventory very carefully or else you'd risk finding that legally you'd agreed to something less good than you thought.

I agree it shouldn't be necessary to be so strict, but the law being so prejudiced against tenants, it is just good common sense I think.

I do hope prince gets a good result, though - hopefully they will see sense!