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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Aibu to think the council should clean your house before you get the keys?

243 replies

Kellyjohnson23 · 28/07/2017 16:43

I'm so sad today,got the keys but it seems totally impossible.
Everywhere is dirty,muck everywhere,the walls are scruffy,the skirting boards and doors are a horrible dirty yellow (that the white has turned into )
I don't have anyone to help me decorate so it's all on me.
I just feel sad

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Livedandlearned · 28/07/2017 16:45

When do you have to move in? Can you prioritise rooms and get the worst bits cleaned first and decorate as and when you can afford to and have time?

Sorry to hear the last tenant didn't bother leaving it clean for you, some people really are twats.

aramintafatbottom · 28/07/2017 16:45

No I don't. You could move into any house bought or rented and it could be in a state like that unfortunately. Yes it would be courteous of the last tenant to clean it up but gloss always yellows eventually it's just one of those annoying things.

FrancisCrawford · 28/07/2017 16:46

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Kellyjohnson23 · 28/07/2017 16:46

It's meant to be Monday but my last flat I have to give 3 weeks notice.
So I have 3 weeks.
Can it be done?
The kitchen is ancient too..I'm going to eventually get new floor as its awful at the minute.

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Livedandlearned · 28/07/2017 16:47

Make plans to do each room and you might start to feel better as you settle in. Cleaning first, I wish I could help you.

Kellyjohnson23 · 28/07/2017 16:47

It's took me 2 hours and I've only painted 2 radiators and 2 door frames.
I keep telling myself it's got potential to look nice and I'm sure it will once it's all done with carpet etc

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Anecdoche · 28/07/2017 16:48

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Kellyjohnson23 · 28/07/2017 16:49

I did the landing today and doors facing.
I might start from staircase tomorrow and work up.
Every room skirting is yellow and the ceilings are yellow..tea stains on the actual walls too.

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DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 28/07/2017 16:50

It took 3 solid weeks to clear a flat I moved into in my 20's ,sugar soap is what you need! There had been a fire and the place was painted bright orange and green !

Kellyjohnson23 · 28/07/2017 16:50

I'm moving because the neighbours in my area where I am are awful,this is the rubbish dumped outside my house now
This house I have a fence so nobody can dump anything

Aibu to think the council should clean your house before you get the keys?
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InfiniteSheldon · 28/07/2017 16:50

I've had to scrub clean every flat or house I have moved into. I moved into this house and the last tenant has smashed the times off the walls and taped plastic bags to make a 'usable' shower. Lots of people don't even have homes it's up to you to make it nice not anyone else

TestingTestingWonTooFree · 28/07/2017 16:51

DH and I decorated a one bedroom flat in a weekend. It was knackering but entirely possible. Focus on the rooms where furniture is going while they're still empty. Hall/stairs etc you can leave until later.

Kellyjohnson23 · 28/07/2017 16:51

I know once things start getting done il feel so much better.

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DixieNormas · 28/07/2017 16:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SenoritaViva · 28/07/2017 16:53

You can do it! Do the worst bits, bring in a radio so you can listen to music and feel upbeat. It will be ok and you'll feel proud having achieved something!
Sadly council budgets prob too stretched (although ideally would be good).

Have you got some mates who'd be happy to come for a painting party?

beachygirl · 28/07/2017 16:53

Just a little DIY tip. I find water based satinwood paint yellows far less than oil based. And it's easier for brush cleaning, so if you need more paint any time, that might be worth a thought.

Kellyjohnson23 · 28/07/2017 16:53

I guess it surprising what a difference paint can make

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BabychamSocialist · 28/07/2017 16:54

We had to give our whole house a big clean when we bought it. We knew we'd have to, but we didn't realise just how bad some of the places were. Think we took a few weeks doing it, but we've been here 20 years now and it's a lovely family home. When we bought it, it looked like a crack den (with potential)!

BackforGood · 28/07/2017 16:55

Agree with others. I might have been nice, but it's hardly a priority for really stretched council budgets. You've got plenty of time and the enthusiasm of a person making their home their own.

LanaDReye · 28/07/2017 16:55

Private houses aren't cleaned first either -it's the same situation - pot luck whether the person leaving was clean or not.

It's the same pain lots face when first go in to your new home and find cat wee in the corners of the room and every light bulb removed (my experience). Take lots of photos as it will be really satisfying when it looks better and feels like home.

Kellyjohnson23 · 28/07/2017 16:56

This is the current situation...

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AndNowItIsSeven · 28/07/2017 16:57

The same sugar water stuff from b and q is cheap and cleans really well.

AndNowItIsSeven · 28/07/2017 16:57

Ignore the " same" sorry.

HaudYerWheeshtBawbag · 28/07/2017 16:58

NO I dont think they should, the painting is just decorative, you dont need that to live in in a property, and in all honestly the council dont have the funds, materials and staffing to paint properties, they need to be doing the important work like repairs and maintenance, not decoration.

Paint does yellow over time however, more so if its gloss.

Kellyjohnson23 · 28/07/2017 16:59

You think they would be clean tho...
It's not like they renting them for free..

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