Tenant Rights In London

Summary

In the UK, tenants can challenge a tenancy agreement if the property is uninhabitable, posing health risks or lacking essential appliances. Document issues and communicate with the landlord/agency. Seek free legal advice from services like Citizens Advice or Shelter, and consider mediation to resolve disputes. Contact local housing authorities for support.

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I recently signed a tenancy agreement for a flat in London, with the move-in date on */*. Upon arrival, the property was in unacceptable condition: filled with the previous tenant’s belongings, and with issues including black mold, broken door handles, faulty radiators, and missing lightbulbs, stains on carpets/furtnitures. The letting agency admitted the problems and initially said the responsibility was for us to clean, and then after altercation, agreed to do partial repairs, but I believe this constitutes a breach of contract, as i believe the flat was not in a habitable state at the start of the tenancy. furthermore, after i paid the deposit for the rent, the agents only disclosed after that the oven, microwave, washing machine and sofa were broken. they had time to tell me beofre i paid, but only told us after. I am paying rent for a property I cannot yet use and feel misled. I want to know if this is enough grounds to unwind the contract.
Hi James, I'm sorry to hear about your situation. In the UK, a tenancy agreement can be challenged if the landlord fails to provide a habitable property. Here are some points to consider:
- The property must meet health and safety standards.
- You may have grounds for a complaint if the property was misrepresented.
- You can request repairs or compensation.
Have you documented the condition of the property with photos or written evidence?
yes
It sounds like you're dealing with a challenging situation. Given the issues you've encountered, you might have grounds to challenge the tenancy agreement. Since you've documented the condition with photos and evidence, it's advisable to formally communicate with the letting agency, detailing your concerns and requesting a resolution. You may also consider seeking advice from local housing authorities or a solicitor specializing in tenancy law. Would you like information on how to proceed legally in London for such cases?
yes. we ideally want the contract to be unwinded, but the landlord/agency is disagreeing. we have tried to asked for compensation but they ignore it and just say they will clean it. we are paying for a flat that isn't ready and I don't know what to do
Case Rating: *
In your situation, since the landlord/agency is unresponsive, you can consider these steps:
- Send a formal complaint letter to the landlord/agency, outlining the issues and your request to unwind the contract.
- Contact the local council's environmental health department for assistance with uninhabitable conditions.
- Seek advice from a solicitor specialized in tenancy law in London.
Would you like further guidance on how to proceed legally in London?
what is considered uninhabitable? if the flat wasn't vacated properly, there's broken appliances, and small black mould?
Case Rating: *
In the UK, a property is considered uninhabitable if:
- It poses health and safety risks (e.g., black mold).
- Essential appliances are broken (e.g., oven).
- It fails to meet living standards (e.g., cleanliness, heating).
For your situation, these factors might support your claim. Would you like more information on legal steps to take?
what about the fact that it hasn't been vacated properly?
Case Rating: *
In the UK, a property not vacated properly can contribute to uninhabitable conditions if it impacts cleanliness, safety, or usability. This could strengthen your claim. You might want to highlight this in your communications with the landlord/agency. Would you like more information on legal steps to take?
yes
Case Rating: *
Since the property was not vacated properly and has numerous issues, you may have a strong case. You should consider taking the following legal steps:
- Formally communicate with the landlord/agency about unwinding the contract.
- Seek advice from a legal expert or solicitor specializing in tenancy law.
- Contact a local housing authority for guidance.
Would you like information on how to proceed legally in London?
but i worry the cost of this is more than actually dealing with the pain of the agent
Case Rating: *
Dealing with tenancy issues can be frustrating. Here are some cost-effective steps:
- Document everything, including communications with the landlord/agency.
- Seek free legal advice from local housing authorities or tenant advice services.
- Consider a mediation service to resolve disputes without going to court.
If you'd like more assistance or have further questions, feel free to ask!
how can i proceed legally in lonodn with no / low cost
Case Rating: *
To proceed legally in London with minimal cost, consider these options:
- Utilize free legal advice services such as Citizens Advice or Shelter.
- Engage in mediation services to resolve disputes with the landlord/agency.
- Contact local housing authorities for support.
Let me know if you need more help with any specific aspect!