AIBU or is my flatmate/friend regarding minor issues with our new flat? (Students renting for the first time)

[CoffeeAddict2016]

Recently, my friend and I moved into a two bedroom flat in a Scottish city; in which we both study. It's the first time either of us have ever independently lived in a rented flat from the private sector. We plan on living in the flat for at least 2 years, perhaps 3.

The problem is my friend/flatmate is quite unhappy with a few, minor issues in the flat and essentially wants to nag the letting agency/landlord into sorting it out. For example, there is a rip in the lino in the kitchen, the windows are quite dirty and her windows, which are Victorian style, slam shut whenever she attempts to open them. In my opinion, most of her complaints we can deal with ourselves cheaply and easily enough - I've already painted some worn-out furniture and radiators - but she's insistent they should fix and perfect everything, even though I think the flat is in decent condition considering the price we're paying for it and don't mind spending a bit of money on it since I'll be living here for a considerable amount of time.

As I want to live here for a while I don't want to get on bad terms with the letting agency or landlord, especially so soon, and having read my lease I'm fairly certain that her complaints are technically our responsibility but I'm unsure. AIBU to want to sort this stuff myself or is my flatmate?

As a landlord of a two bedroom flat in a Scottish city (not yours I think!) if the windows are dirty then clean them (and this will probably be in your tenancy agreement as well). The slamming windows is probably because the sash ropes are broken/absent - will cost a fair amount to sort out and mean the whole window has to come out. I would be unlikely to sort this out immediately upon demand as frankly the window can be propped open with a book or something.

The rip in the Lino I might sort out if it was a hazard for dirt or tripping - if it is only a small rip and was there when you saw the flat and I had plans for a refurb next year then I'd leave it.

If your flatmate keeps on about minor issues then what is she going to do when the shower breaks or. heating fails?

If it is the landlords furniture you're painting then have you asked if this is OK? I'd be unhappy with tenants painting my radiators as well.

Dirty windows = your responsibility to clean.

Windows that won't stay open is reportable as is the rip in the lino. Also make sure these things are listed in the inventory if you took over property like that. I know you haven't mentioned it too but make sure your deposit is in a tenants deposit scheme.

Good luck with your studies :)

I forgot to add that your landlord is probably fully aware of the issues and yet has chosen to do nothing about them as far as you know. It is worth opening a discussion but you might not get very far.

If it was my flat, both these would have been fixed before you started renting it as I remember my own student rentals only too well.

With a DD renting a student house, my concern about the rip in the lino is that it's likely to get bigger during the year and will deteriorate much quicker than if no rip was in the lino. I'd have concerns about acceptable wear and tear.

Thank you all for the replies!
My deposit is in a tenants deposit scheme and I asked if I could paint the radiators/furniture :)
Upon moving in I carried out an inventory and a short inspection with the letting agent - I pointed out some of the minor damage and she made note/took photos of everything then emailed me a copy. I'll make sure to inform her of the rip in the lino, which I didn't notice at the inspection, in case it gets bigger.

I suspected most of her complaints would be our responsibility and actually suggested she prop her windows open with something. Unfortunately, I think her standards are far too high for the price we're paying, it's actually a nice flat but you'd think it was a dump from the way she goes on.