**New Cardiff Bay Tenants Shocked by Flat’s ‘Disgusting’ State Upon Arrival**
A couple in Cardiff Bay were left in utter disbelief after discovering the shocking condition of their new flat, raising questions over property management standards in the city’s rental sector.
Connor Davies and his partner had been excited to move into their new home within Sirius House, a large development in the heart of Cardiff Bay, this April. However, the couple’s first day was marred by a series of unpleasant discoveries, pointing to a serious lack of cleanliness and care.
Upon crossing the threshold, the couple claim they were immediately confronted by visible signs that the flat had not benefited from an end-of-tenancy clean. “There was hair left strewn across the sofa and a thick layer of dust on the skirting boards,” Mr Davies recounted. But the worst was yet to come. When the couple entered the bathroom, they claim to have found faeces smeared on the front of the toilet — a sight neither expected during what should have been a celebratory move.
Understandably appalled, the tenants immediately contacted the lettings agency responsible for the property, Peter Alan, to report the squalid conditions. Yet Mr Davies states that rather than expressing concern, the agency appeared dismissive. “They insisted the flat was in ‘good condition and habitable’, which was baffling given what we’d just found,” he said. Feeling blamed for the mess themselves, the couple decided to go public with their story.
Mr Davies explained that the couple requested professional cleaners be sent to address the state of the property without delay. However, they were told cleaning could not be organised for another two days. This resulted in the couple postponing their move-in date, though luckily, their previous apartment had not yet been re-let, allowing them to stay temporarily. Unfortunately, they incurred an additional expense of £115 for the extra five days they remained in their old flat — a cost they feel was unfairly imposed by circumstances beyond their control.
“These complaints aren’t just about an unclean flat,” Mr Davies told reporters. “It’s about accountability from letting agents. We requested reimbursement for the extra rent, which seems a modest demand given the inconvenience and distress we experienced. But it’s taken seven weeks for even a response, and we’ve still not received a resolution. Instead, we’ve again been told the property was ‘in good condition and habitable’. It’s absolutely ludicrous.”
In support of their claims, Mr Davies points to the inventory images provided by Peter Alan, where they allege the soiling is clearly visible in the bathroom photographs — suggesting the issue was present before they moved in. This raises important questions around the process by which properties are inspected and authorised for new tenants.
For their part, Peter Alan has refrained from making detailed comments while the internal review into the complaint remains ongoing. A spokesperson issued a brief statement, explaining, “While our review of the customer’s complaint is still ongoing, we are not in a position to comment.”
This case highlights ongoing tensions within the rental sector regarding property standards and accountability. As Cardiff continues to be a popular city for renters, both students and professionals alike, stories like that of Mr Davies and his partner demonstrate why robust regulatory measures and effective customer service are crucial in maintaining trust and ensuring tenant safety.
Given the severity of the couple’s experience, it remains to be seen what, if any, compensation will be provided by the lettings agent or if further action will be required to ensure all properties meet acceptable hygiene standards for future tenants.
The incident underscores the potential pitfalls of the private rented sector and hints at broader issues challenging renters up and down the country, making clear that vigilance and diligence from both agents and tenants remain of paramount importance.