I don’t wanna move in

[HidingInTheFridge]

Hi, I’m a new tenant and was just looking on some perspective.

I signed for a property via a Lettings agent recently, I was told upon signing the inventory showed some cleaning discrepancies however I don’t mind cleaning so was happy to proceed. I’d had a viewing and was told everywhere would be painted etc.

however upon further inspection the house is a complete mess, the paint is patchy and dirty, carpet is worn, stained and stinks, there are nails sticking out of the walls and patchy paint all over the doors and stair rail, it looks like it’s been painted with tippex and the house looks like a glorified crack den.

ive reported it back to the Lettings agent today and they were going to contact the LL, but I’m scared I’ll be responsible for this. I’ve just fled DV and money isn’t really a strong point at the moment. There is even pen scribbled all over the radiators and I only received the full inventory report AFTER signing.

am I liable for this or is the LAndlord or Lettings agent?

Photograph everything (including the parts you are happy with) and e-mail them to someone so you have a recorded date that you have taken them before moving in.
That is the first point of any tenancy - evidence.

You cannot be responsible as it was like that before you move in. You deal with the letting agent.

Have you moved in already? If not then ask the estate agent for a return on your deposit as the house isn't how it was described. They might deduct some to cover their costs but it's worth a try.

I think the same as the other two - take good quality photographs and video of everything and email it to the agency. Ask them to put it right, stating exactly what you want them to do (and don't be shy!).

Would be worth talking to CAB (do they exist still??) or googling for government advice on this too. I bet domestic abuse charities know their way around the law around this sort of thing too, did you have one help you at all? Even if not so far, it would be worth contacting them now for some help. x