Flat I viewed was in quite a poor state, but landlord confirmed he would be doing remedial works prior to my move-in. Do I trust him? Or keep looking?
I viewed a flat in London that I actually really like. Good location, good size and the rent is fair for the building.
The issue is that when I viewed it, the flat was in a pretty tired state. The landlord has only recently bought it and, when my offer was accepted, the agent emailed me a “final breakdown of terms agreed” which included agreed terms to replace carpets, replace mattress, replace dining chairs, make sure all appliances are tested and work (including heating), small joinery alignments around the property, and a full professional clean (including the sofa).
The carpet replacement was actually offered by the landlord rather than requested by me.
I paid the holding deposit, passed referencing and have now been sent the tenancy agreement. However, none of the above works are mentioned in the tenancy agreement itself.
My concern is that I sign a legally binding tenancy now, then move in and find half the works have not been done. I understand I could potentially pursue the landlord for breach of the written agreement/email, but realistically I don't want to spend the start of my tenancy arguing about carpets and repairs.
I have asked the agent to confirm the works will be completed before commencement and that the inventory will be prepared after the works and cleaning.
Would you consider it reasonable for me to also ask for the already agreed works to be recorded in a signed addendum to the tenancy agreement?
Landlord apparently had a bad experience with the previous tenant and has therefore been more cautious than usual with my application. I have also had a bad experience with a previous tenancy, so I feel like it is fair for me to want the agreed terms clearly documented before signing.
Am I overthinking this, or would you refuse to sign until the agreed works are formally recorded?