Advice from Landlords required

[Dumplings4ever]

Not really sure if this is the right place to post but I'll give it a try.

DD has just signed the lease/contract on her first flat. The advertising listed it as having a double bed, the paperwork/inventory also states there is a double bed.

She saw the bed on her look round but didn't really register it's size.

Now she's got the keys she's realised that the bed is only 42" wide - a large single or a 3/4 size bed but definitely not a double. As she's moving in with her bf (he's listed on the contract etc) she's realised the bed is too small.

She's contacted the landlord who says she'll take up the mis-advertising with the estate agents. Problem is DD wants a double bed so where does she stand legally seeing as all signed paperwork states the property has a double bed???

Any advice greatfully received.

If the inventory states there is a double bed and she signed off the inventory, she has a problem. Technically the lack of double bed is now hers to solve, as the check out agent will certainly not miss the fact that the bed is not a double. If she can't get the landlord to provide a double bed she should at least get the inventory updated.

Whereisshe - DD only picked up the keys yesterday from the estate agents who marketed the flat.

The estate agents are acting on behalf of the LL - tonight DD texted the LL about the bed size.

The LL texted back saying it was a 3/4 size bed and she (LL) would talk with the estate agents next week (presumably to tell them that their marketing and documents are wrong).

My question is, can DD now insist that the LL provides a double bed as this is what has been marketed/signed for OR do DD and her BF have to sleep in a spoon position incase one of them dares to turn over and rolls out of bed!!!!!

I completely understand, she must be very upset about it! But did she sign an inventory that said it had a double bed?

See what they come back with first then ask about getting a proper double bed. The LL is blaming the agent rather than making noises which suggest he/she is prepared to change it for a proper double.

Your DD needs to flag with the agent that the bed is misdescribed and she wants the inventory amending for starters. She should have a photo taken clearly showing the size of the bed with a tape measure as evidence in case anyone starts playing up over this and email it to the agent. I would advise that she deals with the agent, not the LL to resolve this and asks the agent to ask the LL for a full size double bed otherwise she'll get caught between the two of them.

From the LL reaction, it sounds like the agents mis described it. They'll probably just amend the inventory.

Can she buy her own double bed?

Thanks for your replies

She obviously saw the bed during her look round but didn't register it's size. She trusted the advertising/paperwork which both listed it as being a double.

My query is can she legally demand a double bed as that's what was marketed and is on the paperwork or can the LL refuse and just redraw the inventory etc to show its a smaller bed.

TBH Its not even a 3/4 size, the websites I've looked at list it as an XL single!!!!!

Buying her own bed is not an option as the rental is only for 12 months due to her plans to relocate elsewhere next summer.

Continue discussions - but I don't see why buying her own bed is not an option - there are plenty of second-hand beds for not much money and she can freecycle it when finished.

she would of course have to confirm that the landlord will take away the small bed.

Yes, she can insist the landlord puts a double bed in as that's what it was advertised as (I work in property management). The landlord can always get the agent to pay as they advertised it incorrectly, but that's not your concern.

Lau55 - Thank you, shes seeing the EA later.

UPDATE - Good News.

My daughter challenged the EA who acted as agents for the rental. After initially declining to accept any responsibility they have now spoken to the LL and agreed that they made an error in the marketing.

The property should have been marketed as having a "large single bed" and not a double.

Because of this the EA have agreed to replace the existing bed with a brand new double one which will be delivered tomorrow night.

Thank you for your advice

result!!

(hope it fits in the room..)

make sure the inventory is updated. Your daughter should also buy a mattress protector as this is a brand new item.

I thought you got excellent advice on Martins website OP.

The power and advice of the online community never ceases to amaze and impress me.