Aibu to keep complaining to the estate agent?

[whiningallthroughchristmas]

My hubby and I have moved to a place and I really like it here. The area is lovely, the house wasn't perfect when we first moved in, but it still feels like home. Our home. Now there has been a few issues but the estate agent have done a fantastic job at rectifying them ASAP. They have got the thoroughly carpets cleaned by a cleaning company, a brand new washing machine, new curtains, redone all the grouting. I can not fault them so I absolutely do not want to complain anymore. Everything else we can manage ourselves but my hubby keeps saying we need to tell them more things need doing i.e the windows need resealing because we are getting condensation, there's some mould in the bathroom, the cooker is rubbish in the kitchen, there's awful draught coming through the main door, the kitchen needs a radiator.. I said these are the things we can live with! Bathroom just needs mould and mildew paint and then leave the windows open every day. I'm scared if he carries on we are going to get evicted for being demanding, PITA tenants!

Surely it isn’t actually the estate agent doing this stuff? I mean, they’ll set it up, but the landlord will pay for it? I agree with you, they will get frustrated if you keep complaining if there’s nothing actually wrong, and you’ll either find your tenancy isn’t renewed, or there’s a hike in your rent (to fit the now better standard of living). It might be worth mentioning the mould and condensation though, not as a complaint, but in case the landlord is unaware.

How long have you been there?

We are 2 years into a rental. There were issues when we first moved in that, while not major, we reported so it wouldn't come back and bite us on the arse later. Eg the fence post being loose - has been repaired once and now needs properly replacing, toilet flusher being tricky. Kitchen heater not working. The kitchen heater still doesn't work but it's not an issue as the kitchen gets hot anyway. But I'll be damned if whenever we do move out, that we are held responsible for damage to something already not working when we moved in.

Its meant I have no qualms now contacting the agent and telling them that x has finally broken - kept all emails so I know when I first mention a problem.

What you also don't want is your landlord later blaming you for mould etc when they haven't been made aware it's an issue now.

I agree that you need to let them know in writing of any issues, with photos. Not so much because you're expecting an instant solution, but so they have no chance of accusing you of causing any of these problems some time in the future.

Some of this stuff the landlord may choose to do but some of it is unreasonable and you’ve taken it as seen. Ie asking for a radiator in the kitchen and a new cooker (unless very old / dangerous) is unlikely to get any action.

Why did you take the home if you didn’t like it and there was so much wrong with it?

YANBU. I rent too and you have to chill a little bit sometimes. Let them know about the dampness in writing but also tell them of your plan to air the bathroom well...and add that you will keep them posted with pictures if there is any damage due to poor sealing.

The other stuff...that's just life! Tell your DH to put a bloody snake at the door! Or some stick on seal.

Why did you take the home if you didn’t like it and there was so much wrong with it? OP was quite clear...it's not HER but her DH who is moaning.

Oh and the condensation...you're right. Open the windows daily.

Ok I’ll rephrase that @billhadersnewwife

“Why did you (both) take the new home if you (both) didn’t like it and (either of you) thought there was so much wrong with it?”

To stop the draught coming through the main door put a big thick curtain over it. It's something I've always done for extra warmth.
My old kitchen had no radiator but that was because it was too small.
The oven will be fine, it won't be replaced just because it isn't up to your husbands standards, unless it breaks and is unfixable or dangerous.
The bathroom, I agree with you. Take some pictures, email them to the letting agent and explain what you are going to do.
Windows on the other hand is a very big and expensive job.

They're not going to put a radiator in or give you a new oven. Landlords dont often want expense in a new rental and if they were going to replace the oven anyway I feel they would of already.

You can paint the bathroom yourself and buy a draft excluder (cushion) off ebay.

I have to second this, if you wernt completely happy why did you take it? We've learnt our lesson with rentals like this over the last few years.

Has your husband ever rented before? Unless something is broken then it won't get replaced.

Umm you're entitled to a warm damp free home but personally I feel that some of your "complaints " are a bit fussy! Just remember that when something breaks down etc the landlord should fix it if he's reasonable. I wouldn't push my luck though it not always easy to get workmen at the drop of a hat and you may have to wait for repairs it seems to me that renters don't understand the logistics and want things done yesterday. As people have said you could find your tenancy isn't renewed.

You will get condensation on windows in the winter, due to it being so cold outside and the house being much warmer. Same principle as when cars steam up in winter when you first get into them on a cold morning. I always open the bedroom windows for an hour on a morning and then run a dehumidifier for a bit during the day. Bathrooms will also mold up if you don't open windows/run the ventilation fan after showers, I never lived in a house where this isn't the case tbh.

Not sure having a radiator in the kitchen is a necessity. We own our house and don't have one or plan to get one put in. It would be fairly expensive for the landlord to do this if new pipework needs adding so can't see why they would bother. Just invest in a decent electric fan heater for the occassional times you need to heat the kitchen in the winter months.

condensation - lifestyle due to breathing, cooking, washing. You can't stop doing these things but you need to heat the place and open the windows.

no radiator in kitchen - as viewed. Tough.

cooker either works or it doesn't. If it is faulty, report.

you sound quite clueless. If in England, read your how to rent guide. The idea that you can be legally evicted on a whim is nonsense.

Surely you can buy a tube of caulk/ sealer and seal the windows yourself?

Condensation and mould is for you to manage unless there is a structural issue causing it. Mould in bathroom is almost always due to lack of ventilation. Do you have a ventilator install? Window and if so, is it opened when you shower?

Where did you live before? Sounds like you're expecting perfection... They are unlikely to add an extra radiator just because you think there should be one. Windows as you say need to be open for air or you will get condensation in the winter.

Apart from the mould, these are all issues the majority of home owners live with as well. Very few homes are perfect in every way...

No landlord is going to put a radiator in just because a tenant wants one. Nor are they going to replace a working cooker just because the tenant doesnt like it. Your husband needs to be realistic with what he asks to be done

Would you like a concierge too? Seriously, if I were your landlord I'd be issuing a section 21 quick sharp before they are banned.

You rented the place as it was, then expected all the *issues as you saw it to be resolved. Except they're not issues, mostly. Houses are not sealed boxes, they get draughts. Mould is nearly always down to the user not ventilating - are you doing that? As for needing a new oven, i think you need to be a little more realistic with your expectations.

If it's faulty, then fine. But if it's just not to your expectations why should your landlord fork out to upgrade it when it works?

Reality check required I'm afraid. Next time don't view a property and expect an upgrade once youve moved in.

I've been on both sides of this. Damp and mould can cause health problems. If you're not washing/tumble drying/showering every day which puts a strain on a lot of houses/flats, and you do open the windows occasionally, then there could be a structural problem the landlord can sort, or at least provide a dehumidifier. Take dated photos.

The kitchen radiator is above and beyond since that's a major piece of plumbing. I'm living with a not so brilliant oven in a rental myself - it is worth mentioning to the managing agents but if it's not dangerous then you could ask the agents if you could buy a better one, or better hob, and get the landlord to store it so you can swap them over when you leave and take the new one with you.

As for draughts again notify the agents, but you can get at least a draught excluder. Or propose the landlord pays for the thick curtain a PP mentioned above.

It sounds as if the landlord is amenable and it is worth listing concerns, nicely, with offers to do what work you can with their permission. Just keep everything in writing including letting the agents know what you've done and cost.

No landlord can chuck out a reasonable tenant who is taking care of the property.