Failure of agent to provide agreed service

[David_Bristol]

Hi all,

I have a question that I hope someone can help me with. First of all some background info:

Type of tenancy = Assured shorthold tenancy (6 months)
Specifics: Agent managed as Landlord resides abroad
Location: England (Bristol)

I formally moved in on the 26/11/09 but before in mid-November during a viewing I asked for blinds/curtains to be fitted as there were none. The agent agreed to this request and said they would confirm with the Landlord but they fully intended to fit blinds or equivilent.

However it is now 18/01/10 and I still have no blinds. I have continually asked for them to be fitted as agreed, which ended with me being told that the landlord is getting very annoyed with the repeated requests in. I live on the third floor and am over-looked by multiple properties, which makes it very difficult to get dressed etc.

For this reason as well as the fact that it was agreed before I signed the tenancy I think blinds are necessary. The agents however say that they are not an 'essential' item therefore I am not entitled to withold rent or demand payment and if I do they will take action against me.

My question is: can I withhold rent or bill them as I believe that over 7 weeks without even a date of fitting is not acceptable and I did not appreciate being told that I am annoying the landlord by asking.

Finally no I didn't get it in writting at the time that they would fit blinds but since I have emailed about this issue and recieved a reply so I do have records of communication.

If anyone can please help I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks

David

[sr2010]

well ive been told that im wrong for with holding rent due to the failure of my landlord to provide ( or even get) a gas safety certificate..so good luck with the blinds!!
couldnt you get some curtins yourself then take them with you to the next propert that you move to?... i know its maybe the principle involved though :/

good luck

[David_Bristol]

You're right it does seem petty compared with your problem, surely failure to provide a gas certificate is a serious offence.

I admit it is the principal. I specifically asked for blinds as a condition of taking the apartment and I pay a lot of rent each month so I don't see why I should then have to pay for something they told me would be provided. I think also being told that I was annoying the landlord didn't help :(

However, hearing your prediciment has made me realise that there are worse things that could happen.

[Bel]

Do not withold rent.

You've been misled. There is various consumer legislation to protect you

See http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/. Call them for advice.

If the letting agent is a member of ARLA, or other organisations, you can also complain to the regulating body.

[David_Bristol]

Thank you for the advice and link :)

[jeffrey]

Did L ever confirm in writing that blinds would be provided? If not, you'll have a hard task to try and prove any contractual obligation.