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Sometimes it is not possible for everything to work as well as it should do when you move in. If you experience problems, look at what you can do to resolve them with them landlord, do not just decide not to move in because the landlord could still take you to court and/or keep all the money you have paid so far.
The following is a list of some problems some students have experienced with advice on how to resolve them.
If the cleaning needed is not very much it is probably quicker to do it yourself. Just write telling the landlord what you had to do and that you were disappointed it was not clean.
If the property is very unclean and has a lot of rubbish, take photo’s and contact the landlord asking them to clear up the property. Give the landlord a written list of the problems and keep a copy. Photographs are very useful if you want to claim some money back. If you have to spend any money cleaning the property if the landlord fails to respond to your letter, keep receipts and ask the landlord to refund your money.
If there are pieces are furniture/equipment that you need, check first whether the landlord is responsible for supplying them. You should have enough seats for each tenant as well as dining furniture and essential appliances. However the landlord does not have to provide rugs, additional seating, extra heaters or a microwave unless it was agreed at the time of signing.
If the basic furniture is not present, again write to the landlord making a list of what you need.
It may seem a hassle writing to the landlord but this is your evidence that you have had problems.
Is it that you really can not move in or that you do not want to? If you have not got the keys, the locks have been changed or the property does not have the essential services such as water or electricity, then it is reasonable for you to assume the landlord has prevented you from moving in. However if the property is unclean or does not contain all the furniture this is not a good reason not to move in. It may mean you are entitled to money back for inconvenience but not to break the contract and find another property.
Before you contact the landlord, check that there is nothing you or your housemates need to have done to receive the keys. If some rent is due or the deposits have not been paid then the landlord may be entitled to refuse you the keys. Check your contract first.
If you have done all you need to raise all concerns with the landlord directly, speak with them and explain why you are unable to move in - confirm conversations in writing.
You need to make sure that the landlord has written details of what work is needed and in what room. Taking photo’s is good evidence for disrepair that is serious and/or causes you a lot of problems e.g. not being able to use your bedroom or a kitchen.
You have to give the landlord time to resolve the issues before you take further action. If your landlord is part of Unipol’s code of Standards or LCC’s accreditation scheme then they have agreed timescales to carry out repairs and you can make a complaint if they fail to meet those targets. Even if your landlord is not part of a code use the timescales given as a guide to when you can expect repairs to be done.
Find out more about UNIPOL's Code of Standards
Find out more about Leeds City Councils Accreditition Scheme
Visit our page on disrepair for more detailed information
Please be aware that we are only able to advise current or prospective students of Leeds University.
These pages are for guidance only and are not a substitute for diverse legislation that they cover. The information was checked and correct at the time of writing.
If you have any comments or queries about this page please email advice@luu.leeds.ac.uk.
© LUU Student Advice Centre August 2007.
