I'm a prisoner in my flat from hell and need to get out asap

Posted , 5 users are following.

Hi, I realise this isn't really the place to be posting this but I really need help/advice and there's really no where else I can turn too.

I moved into my new student flat around a month ago with my boyfriend however in separate rooms, and since day 1 it's been a nightmare. Firstly, we were told we could move in from August 1st as we were paying rent from this period, however, it wasn't until August 13th we could move in because they needed to carry out building work. I asked if I could perhaps get a week's rent back at least, considering there was no way I could have lived there for that week, however my estate agent told me that I couldn't because I was the one paying for repairs and such?

From the start of moving in we've had to call the estate agents pretty much daily to report problems such as leaks, shoddy building works and even ring when we realised they hadn't given us the right keys for the house, how silly can you be. Fair enough, as soon as we report them, they send someone round and it gets *fixed*, fixed being used very loosely there. However this flat is just bringing me to to tears every night. There is a major fruit fly problem as we live directly opposite the streets big biffa bin, meaning it's impossible for us to have any windows or doors open at all because it's out of our control. There's cracks all in the walls and ceilings, bits on the ceiling is falling down and on top of that, the builders have kindly left a big hole in our ceiling which water was getting into, and we have reported this, they just haven't done anything. The walls are paper thing meaning I can hear upstairs flat as if I was stood next to them, I can even hear the flat above them too. And now to add to the problems we have found cockroaches in our kitchen which makes my skin crawl.

I can't do this anymore. I feel like they're just using the fact we're young, students and vulnerable as it's our first flat we've bought to their advantage, as if they can do a half arsed job. I just feel so useless. Like a prisoner in my own home. We keep the flat clean but there's nothing we can do. Every time they call the same shoddy builders out who do a half arsed job leaving more mess than the beginning. We are paying far far too much rent for what we have and regret it so much. When we came to view the house it was in the same state as is now but the estate agents sugar coated it, promised for a full refurbishment, which never happened!! Also I have been informed that our deposits which was a bloody good chunk of money, has all been spent on structural work for the house, so I'm not even sure if I'll get it back anymore. All I want to do it move out as soon as possible, but I don't have a lot of money at all, I know I don't have enough to pay for a release or whatever. And even then I have to put down a deposit for another flat, more money!! If we do move out the plan was me and my boyfriend move in together so it's less rent but we're so stuck in this current contract I honestly see no end. If anyone can lend a shoulder to cry on, maybe some advice or been in a similar situation, I'd love to hear it. Thank you xxx

3 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    I am so sorry for you and really feel for you.  

    Isn't there someone who can help you at your university?

    Failing that,  Contact Environmental Health about the cockroaches and I am sure they can deal with your Landlord, the other people who will help, are Citizens Advice, who will help you with everything.

    Did you get some sort of contract before moving into this flat and why are you responsible for building works?

    I'll find a link for CAB for you and good luck!

     

    • Posted

      Thank you for such a fast reply and advice and help you have given, it truly does mean a lot.

      There are people at the university who you can visit about housing issues which me and my partner disscussed taking it to them on Monday as they're not open weekends.

      We are going to call the estate agent when they open this morning about the roaches, I'm just afraid that its something else that would have to come out of our pockets.

      And regarding the building work, no where does it state we have to pay for work, unless of course we did the damages, which obviously we didn't do as we didn't live there. They told me on the phone that we were paying for the new floors being put in, our rent was going towards that I presume, but we were not told of this in the contract or before moving. We tried speaking to them about it but they didn't really want to know to be honest. I feel completely ripped off and taken advantage of.

      The landlord came round to see the house the other day and looked shocked when we told him about the issues we were having and told us he was unaware of all the issues in the house and that the estate agent has not told him about any of the issues we had which I was surprised with.

      Thank you for the link, I'll take a look into taking it to them as well. It makes me feel a little better knowing there's something I can do apart from getting all upset over it all. Thank you smile x

  • Posted

    CAB website    https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

    They will help you and if the Landlord is in breach of contract, you should be able to move out and also get your deposit back.

    I would guess that your flat is uninhabitable if it has cockroaches.

     

  • Posted

    Hope you have gotten help. I am in the US and own 2 rental units. I'm sure we have different laws, but I would guess there are strong similarities; just different names. For instance we have basic building codes and building inspectors who respond to complaints. I would start there. The owner cannot claim ignorance as he has been witness to what is transpiring. We also have laws as to how deposits must be handled (special accounts, etc). You need to check into that.

    If these laws are not adhered to the landlords can be sued for up to triple damages in the US. Sometimes just the threat of a lawsuit will get the owner moving very quickly to rectify the situation.

  • Posted

    You know what I would do, is get a cockroach trap that keeps the little B---- alive, make sure you collect plenty, and deliver them to the real estate agent, ie slap them down on the front desk and threaten to release them in their office. BUT DON'T, you can guarentee there is some law that they can rent you a cockroach ridden flat, but if you deliver them back, you will be charged with assault. UGGGHHHH. Use your mobile phone to record them running around you flat, you need proof of your complaints. Also record hole in roof, when it rains etc, make a video or photographic file of all your complaints and put the daily newspaper into the file, or on the bench to prove that the photos were taken on that day.  Other than that go to the media. They love a good disgusting story. The landlord saying he didn't know about it, rubbish, we have one like that next door, she has denied time and time again that the roof leeks, etc to her tenants, if we see somebody inspecting to rent we warn them off. She will not spend a cent on the upkeep of her house, but is keen to collect the rent each week.

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