first day rent problems- can I still get out of contract?

So here we go, with a lot of difficulty we found a place to live looking around in this busy housing market while we were living out of our suitcases and time was ticking before our stuff arrived from the boat. Kids definitely do not make this process any easier.....

Between the time of the 10 minute viewing the rental agent allowed us and the signing of the contract (and paying 2 months deposit and 1 month rent) a leak had accured in the house causing problems in the kitchen (cabinet soaked thru and floor so wet they need to be replaced; mold has been growing) It has been 5 days and the rental agency has not taking any action but are still "asking the owner what action will be taken".

Several other problems have also come to light. it looks like there are fleas in the house which we feel well now that we sleep on the floor. A neighbor told me that the previous owners had 3 cats and had to pay the agency for new carpets upon moving out. The carpets have definitely not been replaced as they look at least 10 years old (and dirty). I have scheduled a cleaning guy to come out on Monday.

Another problem is that the window in my daughter's room looks like it is ready to fall out of the wall.

I know how could I not have seen this in the viewing. Last viewing of the day. Difficult week with 2 small kids viewing houses. They get bored and this is not fun to do. You look at the house, try to watch things but "things slip by".

Can I still get out of this contract due to the problems of the house (and the non-response/slow response of the agency) and get ALL my money back.

My family does have health issues here (asthma with mold; allergies to flea bites)

Thanks for the input.

Corine (southampton)

You would have to see what it says in the contract for breaking the lease. I'm guessing you might lose the deposit, but it depends on if it says anything about how soon they must respond to issues .

It might be worth contacting Shelter for some advice.

What a HORRID situation!

I'm SOOOOOOO sorry you are having to go through this.

Maybe Citizens Advice can help in some way?