Rental Agency Contract Non-compliance

Hi,

would like some advice on who I could talk to about a prob. I have with a rental contract.


As part of a rental contract we have signed, we had included that:

1. The walls would be painted a white colour and wall damage be repaired

2. Fix a curtain above the bath tub and shower nozzle height adjusted.


Small things I know - but the agency is now refusing to do these things. The "painting" they have done is to put blotches of bright white paint on the wall in an attempt to hide dirty areas - it looks worse then before! Other items are not done.


What can I do? Who can I speak to?

We were due to move in next week and these items were to be completed prior to moving.


thanks for your advice,

dieter

I assume you have paid your deposit and advance rent. If so, you may just have to put up with it. If they won't do it, they won't. Although you have no right to withold rent, you might try threatening to do so until they have put things right. Alternatively, get quotes to do the work and tell them they have the option of having the work done through their own contractors, or you will get it done and deduct from the rent. Of course, they have your deposit and will simply claw back any deductions which then leaves you with the age-old problem of what to do come the end of the lease? Should you simply not pay rent and leave them to use the deposit? Difficult issue because it could mean that you would not get a good reference should you need one for another landlord. You could, of course, get the work done and sue for damages but who needs the stress and expense of court proceedings? Maybe you should deal with the landlord direct. He might not know that the agents are breaking their promise. Have you been dealing with the boss at the agency? Or some minion? If the latter, contact the boss. Then again, maybe you should just accept that, in this life, there are just some bad people, do the work yourself and put it down to experience. There are probably more important things to worry about