July 19th 2024.
The term 'one-bed' is being used quite liberally these days. It seems like every day, there's a new shocking revelation about the rental market in London. From strict 'no-WFH' rules to outrageous charges of £100 a month for plug sockets, the world of renting in this city continues to amaze us. Despite paying exorbitant prices, tenants are getting less and less for their money.
We often hear people say, "For a grand a month, you could live in a castle in the countryside." And while some people may brush off this statement, claiming they are willing to compromise on space or living alone to be in the hustle and bustle of the city, there are some things that really put into perspective just how insane the rental market in London is. Recently, a listing on Facebook Marketplace did just that, with people on Reddit calling it both 'cursed' and 'dystopian.'
The monthly rent for this particular property is £900, which is in line with the average room rent in the Haringey area. However, the photos show what appears to be a corridor that has been converted into a cramped living space. As soon as you enter the front door, you are faced with a single bed that takes up the entire room, leaving no space for any other furniture. And that's not all - there is no kitchen in the property, only a dark bathroom with a shower cubicle and a window covered with bars.
The advertisement mentions 'ample storage space,' but this seems to be limited to three makeshift plywood shelves in the bathroom and a wall-mounted coat hook. The agent then highlights the location of the property, right next to Harringay railway station, as a selling point for potential tenants. They also mention that the property is well-maintained and offers a friendly and quiet environment, making it perfect for students or professionals. They urge people not to miss out on this 'excellent opportunity.'
However, when the listing was shared on the r/London subreddit, most users had a very different opinion. The original poster, @Mongexx, called it 'one of the most cursed rooms' they had ever seen. Another user, @Gracewitch, agreed, saying it was 'incredibly sad and dystopian.' Some people even questioned the legality of renting out a property without any cooking facilities, citing the Homes Act of 2019.
According to this act, if a rented property is not deemed 'fit for human habitation,' tenants can take their landlords to court. It specifically mentions that facilities for cooking and preparing food are a requirement. However, the government's guide for landlords states that it is up to the courts to decide if a property is fit for human habitation, making it a bit of a gray area.
The landlord could argue that since the tenants signed the agreement after seeing the listing, they were aware of the facilities (or lack thereof) provided. Even if the courts rule in favor of the tenants, it can be a lengthy and arduous process. When you're in need of a place to live, you do what you have to do. But if you have a lot of belongings or enjoy cooking, this might not be the best option for you. It's probably best to avoid this property altogether.
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