Compensation for rented flat that was buggered for 2 weeks?

[chakra2]

I moved into a new flat earlier this month. For the first 2 weeks I had no heating, no hot water and other more minor issues (mouldy washing machine, broken dishwasher, toilet that didn’t flush properly).

I alerted the property management company to these issues straight away, obviously, but they buggered about, mumbling something about needing to order parts from abroad. I never heard back from them. The no hot water or heating thing was getting more and more problematic. I finally made a formal complaint to someone higher up.

Within 24 hours this person had sent a team round to fix the issues — everything was fixed. Brand new washing machine. New toilet, etc etc. They then offered me £100 gift card in final resolution of the situation. The management company admitted that the fault is theirs and that my flat wasn’t inspected at all prior to renting and that this was due to how busy they were.

It’s quite a big privately-rented development and I mentioned these issues to some other residents. Several residents have had very similar issues and ended up having full rent for the period they were without hot water (or other basic facilities) reimbursed by the management company. For example, one guy was without hot water or heating for one month and he got a full one month’s rent back plus a £100 gift card.

What do you reckon. Does their offer of £100 gift card sound adequate in your view?

Nope.

I would go back to them and tell them that you want the rent for the period your were without and the card for the inconvenience caused by their omission

@RB68 . They are now offering refund of 50% of 10 days rent

Is that how they have worded it? Does that mean they are actually offering you a refund of 5 days rental?

On the plus side, this must mean there is no valid check in inventory they can rely on when you come to move out.

I'm inclined to think it's now fixed and they've offered some compensation. If it was your own flat and not rented you'd be at the mercy of tradespeople sorting out the the various issues.

@unfortunateevents

"Whilst there were some teething problems when you moved in, none rendered the property completely uninhabitable and all were resolved in an acceptable time frame. However, this was not the case for the heating, where I fully accept that 10 days [actually it was 14 days mate] without full use of the heating is too long, we are sorry for this. As a result I will refund you 50% rent for 10 days plus £50 as a gesture of goodwill for the other issues which compounded with this, would have been obviously uncomfortable for you. "

I would go back again and say it was 14 days with no heating and hot water and reiterate what you are looking for from them. I see they have reduced the voucher though...I would just go back and say the inconvenience was the same and it was their omission that led to the issues, nothing that you did or contributed to, it was also initally poorly handled leading to the issue being prolonged to the 14 days.

I have to say I usually have more luck on the phone talking people round
Good Luck

@RB68

I suppose I could accept 50% of 14 days rent. But I want the £100 voucher as well.

They've openly admitted that they fucked up and didn't even prepare the. flat/inspect it prior to letting it so now it's time to pay up.