Misrepresentation by estate agents

Misrepresentation by estate agents

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driverrob

Original Poster:

4,688 posts

203 months

Friday 26th September 2014
quotequote all
The house was we've just moved into was described in their brochure as "fastidiously maintained".
No I know that the vendors are responsible for my costs in disposing of rubbish they've left, including a tumble dryer that doesn't heat, rabbit hutch ..... but:
We have had 3 guys from a professional cleaning team in for two days now and they haven't finished. They all said it was so bad they wouldn't live here. Apart from the dirt, the outside woodwork is flaking everywhere, the wood flooring has been damaged by their dogs, the inside paintwork is badly done and damaged and he's left a load of those plastic picture hooks in wall which cause damage when removed.
There's only so much you can take in while being shown around a fully furnished property for much less than an hour.
All the solicitors and the selling estate agents are denying any blame. The vendor is not reply to emails and we don't have his new address or phone number.
Where do you legal experts reckon we stand?

driverrob

Original Poster:

4,688 posts

203 months

Friday 26th September 2014
quotequote all
505diff said:
no just no
What does that mean?
The contracts of sale clearly stated that the vendor is responsible for leaving the property in a clean condition and for the cost of removing rubbish. There we should have a clear case, we think.
But no seller of goods would get away with misrepresentation on this level. Why should estate agents?

driverrob

Original Poster:

4,688 posts

203 months

Friday 26th September 2014
quotequote all
OK. Ignoring all the sarcasm, I'll accept the advice that estate agents can get away with what they like (assuming this was given from a stand point of knowledge) and that our contract is with the seller. It is indisputable that the contract has a stipulation about the state the house must be left in. I do not remember a clause that stipulates the buyer must examine every aspect of the house, inside and out to assure themselves of the state of it and a normal surveyor's report covers rot, leakages cracks etc, but not cleanliness.

When you're being shown around a house you don't close the blinds to examine their bottom edges. You don't remove kitchen drawers to check for grease on the runners and dust and debris underneath or pull out cutlery trays. You don't open the oven and shine a torch inside to check for grease. You don't lift rugs to check the state of the flooring underneath. Well I don't. Do others? Is it something that's legally my responsibility to do?

I would prefer some advice based on legal knowledge but I'm sure those who enjoy making sarcastic comments will continue to do so.