This is in England.
I am moving to a new city for a new job which starts in a weeks time. I found a flat, signed the tenancy agreement, paid the security deposit and the 1st months rent. The tenancy was meant to begin today and I was going to move in on Friday. Yesterday, the letting agent called me to say that the previous tenant hadn't given the keys back and they couldn't get a hold of him. The previous tenant's contract ended on the 1st May. The letting agent also said that my move in date will be pushed back until 11/05. I explained this cannot happen as I start work on that date and need to be settled beforehand. He said he will try his best to move me in by Friday.
Today I was informed by the letting agent that I can only move in by the 11th as they have finally got a hold of the previous tenant but need to do a check of the flat as well as an inventory check. I asked if they could provide me with alternative accommodation which he replied with "as it is the current tenants fault, his management will not authorise any reimbursement but that they will amend the contract to show the tenancy starts on the 11th".
Is this legal for them to do? I have already signed an agreement which states my tenancy starts this week but now they want to change it to suit them. What can I do?
Apologies for any grammatical errors.