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?

I don’t understand people saying the LL has all the power.

It’s a business relationship, not a friendship or charity.

You pay rent to live in the property and there is a contract in place that protects both sides.

The LL has agreed to move it, albeit reluctantly. But so what? Just say, yes it really is a problem as we need the space. What’s the worst that can happen? She doesn’t like you? Who cares!

Is it really causing that much trouble? Couln''t you use it to store your smaller items in?

Their reply seemed quite fair and reasonable to me

Yes it's cheeky of the landlords to advertise a storage room as part of a flat and then fill it with their own stuff. Ask for a reduction in rent as you say it's pricey anyway.