Little Guide to Problems Faced When Moving In

Hello!
So you may or may not have realised that Monday had now passed - so are we all moved into the flat? No.

Here's why:
Little Guide to Problems Faced When Moving In

1. You turn up at the flat and the keys don't work
So this one affected us big time! Luckily, as there were three sets of keys, there were some amongst the bundle which let us in, allowing us to still get inside! Estate Agents want you to have working keys and locks, and as well as their own set of keys for the property are likely to have some spares - and will at the very least go to the key-cutters for you and pick up a new set. Just give them a buzz and ask nicely

2. It's like they never moved out..

On Monday we found the flat in a bit of a mess - with the previous tenants' broken belongings abandoned inside (bent airer anyone? how about a marketing textbook?) and quite frankly it had obviously not been cleaned during the transition of tenancy. This sparked some debate between us and our agents, but they were happy to send someone over the next day to check it out. In this scenario, politely demanding they get a professional cleaner is within your rights as a new tenant. It's not your job to clear up after the previous dwellers for a whole day, and you shouldn't spend your time or money cleaning mess that isn't even yours. 

3. The Inventory hadn't been checked
When you move into a rented property you will be required to fill in an inventory of the property (stating things like the condition of the walls, and the crockery provided in the lease). In our case there had been a mix up and the flat inventory hadn't been checked between the transition of tenancy. Either the previous tenants nicked the plates and cutlery or there had never been any! It's important to fill this in in proper detail - and communicate with your agents, to get anything broken fixed (within a certain limit - the cracking wallpaper, or stain on the carpet is not life-threatening or limiting your lifestyle in the property) and to make sure you are supplied with the correct goods

4. Sweet dreams..nuh-uh
You sit on the mattress. It flattens. All you can feel is the bed frame and a large metal spring. You don't even have to move to make a variety of oo-er noises escape the bed. Like crunching someone's spine..repeatedly. Well that's the impression we got from our mattresses! Asking your estate agents to replace big items like a mattress is a bit daunting - especially when it's three you want replaced.. But can you sleep on that for a year? Ask your parents' advice. You're not living in the lap of luxury, but you do have a right to a supportive mattress that won't keep you up all night with the sound of springs breaking every time you breathe. We don't know the outcome of this one yet, but fingers crossed. 

5. Electricity does what now?

Expecting to pay for electricity the traditional way, with a bill through the door every month, we were surprised to come into the flat and find a meter with a key stick. Had we paid better attention during our rushed viewing of the property and accelerated rental, we may have seen the meter attached to the wall - you can't say we weren't informed by the agents. This way of paying for electricity is by slotting in a key card or stick to the meter, having topped it up with money at a post office or newsagents, letting you watch the balance go down throughout the month. This can be helpful for students as its no scary surprise with the postman as to your bill, but the tariff is higher on this than the usual payment method. It has made us register the proximity of a post office to our flat though! 


How to complain to an Estate Agents

So, I feel this little tip goes hand in hand with the guide - you turn up, things are not as expected, and you freak out - bad option. Your estate agent is not your mum, they are there to provide support, help, a line of communication, and a level of care - however, being petty with them does not invite a good working relationship for the year ahead. 
Know your rights, but know your limits. You see things which disappoint you, fine. You can demand what you're due, but remember, you're moving into a rented student property - it's not going to be all shiny paint jobs and new everything. 
Don't be rude. Don't just stand and point at every second thing with a complaint about how it's not quite up to standard. You're human, they're human, you can live with it? good, then do so. 
Be friendly, show that you want to move towards solutions - suggest some, and take on their suggestions and comments. Remember to smile sometimes, kay?

The agents are hiring a handy man to clear up and fix the few broken things (I'd like the sink plug to go both in and out) and cleaners to give it a thorough once over. We may be moving in tomorrow afternoon! Hope so

Rachael xx
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