Unfinished and dirty MCR Homes flat with holes

After managing to get the keys to the flat, I was finally able to access it.

As I opened the door, I immediately realized something was wrong and started recording with my phone. I've made a YouTube video out of the recording to show what the flat looked like as my tenancy started:

Holes

The most shocking aspect was the holes. MCR Homes really made me move into a flat with huge holes.

Hole in the bathroom ceiling, above bathtub
Second pair of holes in the kitchen
First pair of holes in the kitchen

I cannot fathom why they would think it acceptable for someone to live in a flat with holes, but that was the case. As a MCR Homes resident, this is the type of issue you might face, along with thinking that having no hot water is acceptable.

Dirty

Apart from the holes, the flat hadn't been cleaned.

Dirty toilet at MCR Homes
Paint on kitchen worktop
Unfinished construction in the kitchen
Dirty ceiling vent in the kitchen

According to my tenancy agreement, I am required to leave the flat in the condition I found it. When I leave, I'll have some interesting decisions to make (though, of course, I won't actually leave it as bad of a state).

No inventory: The tenancy agreement

To date, I have not seen or signed any "Inventory" or "Schedule of Condition" document. The flat still has marks, dents, paint issues, and broken bits, and I lack any official document to prove these conditions existed prior to my tenancy. I'm concerned about potential issues with MCR Homes when my lease ends next June.

Clause 7.1 showing I should have an inventory

Note: I also wasn't able to get a water meter reading at the start of the tenancy. And it took some fighting to get one, several month later

According to this first clause, I should be in the clear since I never agreed to any inventory or condition. They can't claim I caused the marks on the walls or other damages.

However, this second clause appears dubious to - not a lawyer - me:

Clause 7.2 of the contract is dubious

If I don't "ensure that the Inventory and Schedule of Condition is correct" - a document I've never seen or signed - I "shall be deemed to be fully satisfied with the terms." I recall from my limited legal knowledge that "impossible" conditions are not enforceable, even if written and signed, but I'm unsure if that applies here.

Asking ChatGPT

ChatGPT chat showing that apparently the burden of proof is to the landlord

It seems I could even damage something on purpose, and MCR Homes wouldn't be able to prove it was my doing, all because they neglected to conduct an inventory. If I were as cunning as they were when I was trying to get the keys to the flat, I could potentially cause them financial loss. I've repeatedly requested an inventory document from MCR Homes and was promised twice that one would be sent to me, with assurance that it existed at least once.

Conclusion

MCR Homes is shameless, not caring about letting residents move into flats with significant issues.

I moved into this flat as I relocated for a new job. When discussing this situation with co-workers, you could see their disbelief, wondering if I was exaggerating or fabricating a story. What sort of landlord would do such a thing? What landlord would overlook huge holes in the walls or think it's acceptable to let someone move into a flat in such a condition? MCR Homes. MCR Homes is that kind of landlord.

And, guess what! Not providing hot water in their flat is something they also do! MCR Homes is really not a decent landlord.

Other issues:

Getting keys No Hot Water Hot&Cold switch Sabotage