4 Bridge Flats

The mildew smell was overwhelming from the moment we arrived on 30 Aug 19. It reached the bedroom and bathroom, and opening the windows and doors helped only a little. We were told the owner already knew that air from the sewer was coming through the bathroom basin waste. The bathroom fan was blocked, its floor tiles were lifting from damp, and the owner's fix was to cut the corners off them. There are no windows in either the bedroom or bathroom. White mildew covered the insides and backs of the bedroom wardrobes and side tables. When I complained, the owner said the property sits over a stream and damp, noxious air rises from the basement garage. She also said other renters had complained about the mildew and smell. We had booked a week, but the accommodation was affecting our health, so we left after three miserable nights. The flat seems to have original fittings from the 1970s. The wire innerspring mattress was the worst I've ever slept on, and from the bed I could see spider webs and old ducts. The outdoor seating area was overgrown, with scaffolding as the view. There's a fuse box in the bedroom, not enough room to pass the foot of the bed except sideways, and the taps are all difficult to operate. Headroom is limited, with lots of obstructive roof beams, so I wouldn't consider it suitable for tall people or anyone with a disability. You have to sit down to see out of either window. The step from the bedroom into the bathroom was filthy. I would have liked a vacuum cleaner; the owner said her son had to carry it downstairs, so perhaps a Henry would make more sense. There was no washing-up liquid or sponge, and no washing machine. The two sofas were comfortable, the TV signal and wifi were decent, there were kitchen utensils, crockery and equipment, and parking was available. Those were about the only positives. I asked for a refund. The owner first said she was responsible for the finances and would refund us, then changed her mind and referred me to Sykes Cottages. They said they don't handle health and safety complaints and sent me back to the owner. Sykes suggested dealing directly with her, then taking her to court if we couldn't agree, which is one route for dispute resolution. As of 16/09/19, I was still waiting for a refund. Think twice before booking here, and save your money for somewhere else.