To think this is a bit CF?

[GlitterUnicornsAndAllThatJazz]

So we've rented a flat that comes with a storage room in the basement.

We're combining households so we have a lot of stuff that will need to be stored.

We went to check the store room and there's an absolutely massive chest of drawers in there.

I texted the landlord to ask if it belonged to previous tenant and she replied: "Hi the chest of drawers is actually ours, we really want to keep it and had a hard time getting it down into the basement. So we would really prefer to keep it down there. However if it's really going to be a problem we will collect it."

They own another flat in a different city where they currently live.

I can't help but think that if you're going to rent out a (pricey) flat with storage you should rent it out properly and deal with your own property? Now it puts me in the position of looking like a bit if a demanding bitch when I just want to use the full amount of space we're paying rent for. I mean they have their other flat they live in - wasnt it their responsibility to properly clear out the flat they wanted to rent out?

Yes, CFery.

Is it empty or full?

Be careful what that does to your tenancy because there’s something about having access unfettered to the whole flat.

Is your rent comparable to other flats without the added storage? Just asking because we rent a house with an attic which has some of the landlady's stuff stored in it but our rent is below market average so I'd be enormously reluctant to kick up a fuss about the storage space when I know we'd get charged more for less elsewhere.

@mumonashoestring
Absolutely not, our flat is great but above market average.

The chest of drawers is empty.

I’d reply just saying that you do need the whole of the storage space, and pls arrange to collect the drawers.

I’m a landlord, wouldn’t dream of storing my stuff in a flat I rent out.

Can you store things inside it?

There is a lot to be said for maintaining a good relationship with your LL. This is one thing you can concede to leverage a little reciprocation.

I’ve been in a very similar position. As I didn’t need the space, I let it go, as I couldn’t see the point of making a fuss just because I could.

Your situation is different; you need the space and you’re entitled to it. Be honest and tell her politely that you’d accommodate her request if you could, but you need all the space yourself.

@highinthesky
Yes, and I'm sure they know that and so will be banking on that to not have to put themselves out.
Ive had good LLs like @ElenaBothari seems to be but I'm just sick of the LLs who rent their properties out but expect to get away with not doing things properly. Its frustrating because youre always in a position of weakness. I think if you rent your place out you clear it out properly and let your tenants use it as their actual home.

It does sound like she's willing to be accommodating. Just reply "yes actually we do need the full storage as agreed. Thank you"

Just fill the drawers with your own items? Seems handy to me.

They probably thought that you might use it, and save them the hassle of getting it out of there. When I've bought houses before, people have often left a cabinet or something in a shed or garage that are just too heavy to move.

If you don't want it, just say 'sorry, we need the space for our belongings, let me know when you want to pick it up and we'll arrange access for you'.

Work out if you actually need the space, if you do then you can honestly say to them 'really sorry, but we do need that extra space can you arrange for it to be moved' and if you don't actually need the space then there is no harm being done.

Totally CF and I wouldn't hesitate to say that I needed either a rent reduction or them moved. Ridiculous.

Won't it be useful to store your stuff in the drawers?

I'm a landlord and i don't see a problem with this. We have rented out a property 'as is' and the tenants have asked us to move stuff and we have said no. If they don't like it they can rent somewhere else.

I think I would just use it as storage. Drawers come in handy to put stuff in. Put that to the landlord and if they don’t want it used then tell them to collect it.

If it is in your way and you can't use it to store stuff in just ask them to come and pick it up as they offered.

As others have said, just fill the drawers with your stuff and pile stuff on top of them. It might be useful storage space. Not sure I could be bothered to make a fuss over this tbh.

I would use it for stuff which needs an extra layer of protection whilst in storage. I really would not be annoyed to find a piece of furniture there which I could use.

Very cheeky; we rented a house with a loft and discovered on moving in that the loft was full of the landladys stuff. We couldn’t do much about it but it continually irritated me.

It really hinges on whether you actually need the space or not.

@MrsKoala
You sound like a dick.

What makes you think you deserve someone lining your pocket without full use of a home?