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?

We are landlords and would never 'leave' our things there becasue its convenient for us - the new tenants want an empty house to live in, not 3/4 of a house because its inconveniet for me to move my stuff out. I would say you need the space.

MrsKoala

Isn’t MrsKoala admirably tough and scary?
Wow.

Because we rented the house as is. We used the loft or garden shed as storage for things. We make it clear they will not be moved from the start. If someone wants to rent it it's up to them. One person asked for things from the shed to be moved. We said no. It had a padlock on it and it had to stay there. We moved abroad for DH work. We needed the space for stuff for the house.

how on earth is that me being tough and scary?

I think MrsKoala is confused - yes, you can rent out a house “as is” with some of your furniture still there. I rent out properties as fully furnished, so obviously my stuff is there!

The point is that the tenant needs to know and agree in advance what furniture is going to be there, before they take the tenancy.

The OP obviously isn’t expecting that chest to be there, and the landlord has already acknowledged that it’s not included in the tenancy, they just want to leave it there for their convenience.

I agree with your comment about position of weakness and attitudes like MrsKoala just confirm that.

Another point to consider is that the LL drawers could get damaged if you are storing lots of stuff down there, how would she feel about that?

However if you need the space and she has said she will move the drawers, take the opportunity to do it now don't let it slide otherwise it will always annoy you.

Someone has had a soh bypass, clearly.

I am not confused. The LL have offered to move it if the person doesn't want it haven't they? So where's the drama? Everyone on here seems so desperate to call CF that they are completely blowing everything out of proportion. Just say yes it's going to be a problem.

Have you had an inventory OP? Is it on that? If so make sure it gets taken off if they remove it otherwise you may be liable to replace it.

Was the chest of drawers in situ when you viewed the flat? If so then I'd use it rather than insisting it's moved. I'd let the landlord know that you are planning to use it and it will therefore be subject to usual wear and tear.

MrsKoala is right, if the T knows from the start and it is noted on the inventory...

... Glitter what does it say on the inventory?

As a landlord in Scotland we were clear that a locked storage space was not part of the rent. Here in Dublin we've seen a number of places that had a shed or similar that was not part of the rent.

So it depends on the lease. And not sure what MrsKoala did to be called a dick.

Do you need the space it takes up?
Can you put stuff in it?
What happens if you damage it by putting things on it?

There’s a lot to be said about having a good relationship with your LL, is it that inconvenient to you? If it is then ask them to move it

Tbh I am a bit of a dick!

Our ex landlord used to use our garden as a builder's yard, and use our washing line.

But in MrsKoala's case she's renting it out as seen. The agreement will reflect that. I'm a tenant and if the LL said that there was furniture etc that comes with the let prior to me moving in, I can't then say after knowing this info, that actually I don't want this stuff here so LL better shift it .

In the OP's case it was advertised with a storage unit (advertised as being empty I'm guessing)...but yes OP if you can fit your stuff in and ask LL if you can use the drawers of the unit then I would just do that to save the aggro

No its not on the inventory.

Obviously we will probably leave it but it is annoying as it does take up a fair bit of space in this small storage room.

I guess the point that I find annoying is that yes, she has said she will move it, but you can see from her text that shes already laid the groundwork to push me towards what doing most people on here are advising I do and what i already know I should do: leave it to foster good relations.

I think its fucking annoying when LLs do this, put you in the position where you either have to
Suck it up, or
Deal with the uncomfortable feeling of inconveniencing them.

When you just would have liked to have been seamlessly able to use the space you signed and paid for.

I second the notion about the aforementioned landlord sounding like a dick! 😁

Tbh I am a bit of a dick

It's just that your example doesn't really correlate to the OP's situation, since it seems that she was not made aware that there would be any furniture in her storage space.

Anyway I don't see the big issue. The landlord was honest and said they left it there because it would be a hassle to move but they would do so if OP wanted them to. So OP just be honest in return and say yes please. No big thing.

If it's not on the inventory and you are going to keep it there i'd request it was added. If you really don't want it and they've offered to take it and it's not on the inventory then i would ask them to remove it.

I had assumed it was on the inventory. Which is why i said what i did. If it isn't then it needs to be added to protect the OP. I am wondering how it wasn't on the inventory? Did they put it there after the inventory was done? Our inventories are done the morning the tenants move in so nothing untoward can be done. I've said inventory far too many times now.

If it gets damaged when you try to navigate your own stuff around it, will they hold you responsible? They are putting you in a difficult situation especially when you come to leave the property, and I think you should get this arrangement in writing as pp have said.

Why are you making a drama out of nothing at all? You want it gone the LL have agreed to collect it. End of story why drag it on getting annoyed calling them cf. Its their property.

Yes the LL is being a CF, saying she will move it if asked, but laying on the guilt by saying how awkward it will be so please don't ask. A lot of tenants would back down at that. As it wasn't on the inventory, you should either ask her to remove it, which would be a read request, or include it on the inventory if you don't want the aggro of asking her to move it.