Had a real estate agent view a rental home and facilitate the lease agreement prior to our move from out of state. We saw only a few pictures of the home but did not view it in person and it looked OK. Upon arrival we discovered the home does not have a refrigerator but it does have about 4 years of filth built up on everything. The bottoms of our feet were black from walking on the floors, there are splashes of god knows what on nearly every wall in the house, and there is a thick layer of dust on everything. The landlord agreed to pay for a cleaning but I honestly don't think she understands the extent of the built up grime and more than likely, mold. What are our options? I honestly don't know if I can live like this. To what extent is the real estate agent responsible, if at all?

The realestate agent is just that, an agent. She has to inform the landlord. If you saw the property in the condition you mention, then, is this the only time she has shown the property and didn't know what to expect? Was she shocked?

But why did you give your money on something that was only pictures?

I have rented in many places throughout the US and Canada, and never ever rented on pics alone, nor put my good money down on something I haven't seen. That was foolhardy of you.

Tick

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Originally Posted by susanne422

Is a filthy rental home grounds to terminate a lease?

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Hello s:

No.

Since you didn't SEE the place before you rented it, you COULD have written an addendum to the lease, making your tenancy contingent on a visual inspection. You didn't do that. It would have been easy. I'll bet you'll do it next time. Bummer.

Since you can't move in, or WON'T move in, you're STILL not out of trouble. Depending on the wording of your lease, you probably will be held responsible for the first month and maybe even the second months rent.

Make sure that, how ever you extricate yourself from this house, you get it in WRITING.

excon