Updating post from Reddit.
Just moved into a new flat and there is one room that has an exposed brick wall which at the viewing looked fine. The past tenants were using it as a storage rooms so it was filled with stuff. We thought it looked livable.
We have moved in and now the room is empty. There is a ton of dust and a gap between the floor and the wall. The wall is crumbly and there are exposed wood planks that were covered when we viewed.
The landlord explained to us before moving in that he plans to eventually fix it. The wall was removed a few years ago due to issues with installation that have since been fixed. It just needs to be replastered/finished. According to him.
My question is does he have an obligation to do this? Or does anyone know how to move forward with fixing it with his support? or is it possible to fix this on our own? Is this a hard thing to fix? Just trying to figure out what I can do for my flatmate about this.
I doubt your landlord is going to fix this. The best opportunity would’ve been before you moved in. A simple rule is if you move in to the property, you accept its condition.
However, It is a simple fix to apply a clear brick sealer to the wall to stop the dust. It does not need to be plastered.
The gap in the floor, how big is it?
Rule of thumb if it is a health and safety issue then the LL should fix but if it's just cosmetic then the LL has the choice.
No obligation, however talk to them - you never know.
It's too vague to say whether he is legally responsible for improving the wall now that you've taken the property. He should act responsibly, plaster, and paint it for his own legal protection, and you need to hoover and put a rug down. What difference desides aesthetics will it ultimately make to you; if it is persistently dusty, it could be a concern for the landlord under HHSRS, that's significant but about it.