– On the website it looks very nice and nice and I was so happy when I got a dormitory here, but it hasn’t stayed the same at all. That’s what student Charlotte Slettebakken says. In autumn 2023, she moved into a student dormitory at the rental company Umeus in Trondheim – and she regrets it. Since she moved in last August, the ventilation system has been destroyed, the washing machines have destroyed her clothes and the indoor temperatures have been far too high. But when the students make a statement, they rarely get a response and feel that landlords don’t believe them, says student Dilara Karadag. – I feel that I have to resort to larger agencies to get the help I need. If not, we will neither be believed nor be proud of. The students have complained about this to the landlord Several students have notified Umeus about things that have been destroyed and other conditions at the housing association: Destroyed washing machines Too hot inside temperatures without the students being able to regulate the temperatures themselves. Bad air and a lot of dust from the ventilation system Poor cleaning of common areas Roof terrace closed without notice Demand that the student must pay for the repair/service of a grill that was defective Doors that locked and could not be opened for several days The students have also complained that they did not get an answer when they report from The lack of possibility to terminate the lease in three years That there is no washing in the flat before moving in The rental company Umeus replies that they have had a problem with the washing machines, but that this should be in order. Otherwise, they reply that the leases are in accordance with the Housing Act and that the students can terminate the contract every 12 months, before 1 May. In addition, they reply that it is washed three days a week and that the ventilation system works as it should. – The clothes smelled worse and worse with each wash. One of the first things Charlotte discovered when she moved in was that her laundry did not get properly clean. – It just got worse and worse. Clothes started to smell bad after washing and now I’m standing here with a closet full of clothes that are most likely ruined. Charlotte says her clothes are ruined after the washing machines have not washed properly for a long time. Photo: Mathias Kartveit Mikalsen / news The student said that the landlord stopped answering emails and phone calls when she gave notice and complained about the washing machines. – I had to complain constantly for several months. When I come with concrete evidence, they just stop answering. So there is nothing to get help from anywhere actually. Umeus replies in an e-mail to news that they have had a problem with the washing machines. – We have tried to solve the problem as quickly as possible. The washing machines were examined by the supplier in several cases. In addition, several services were carried out by a third party during this period, the rental company writes. But it is not only the washing machines that have not worked optimally. In the summer, the students say that it has been up to 40 degrees inside. – It doesn’t really need to be that hot outside either. But once the sun is up, it can be 16 degrees outside and over 30 degrees inside the apartments, says Charlotte. In addition, they say that the ventilation system blows dust that settles like a carpet on all of the walls, floors and furniture in their student dormitories. – I have started using eye drops. My eyes are so dry, says Charlotte. To this, Umeus replies that, as a result of complaints from the students, they have been in contact with the responsible contractor to find out if there was anything they could do to increase the effect of the facility. – The feedback is that the plant delivers the amount of air that is expected by current regulations. This summer has been unusually warm, which has naturally had an effect on the indoor climate in the apartments. The rental company adds that they change the filter in the ventilation system every year. – Want landlords to stop “ghosting” us Charlotte is not alone in not getting answers or help from Umeus. Dilara has also experienced that. – I am ignored when I raise a case, and receive rude feedback. And nothing will ever be done about it, she says. The students say that they have spoken to others who live in the housing community and several of them experience receiving the same treatment from landlords. – I actually think the biggest problem is that they think that the students don’t know anything about this, and don’t know anything about rules and laws, and that they think that we will never take the matter further, adds Dilara. Dilara and Charlotte believe that the letting company does not prioritize keeping the building the same. Photo: Mathias Kartveit Mikalsen / news The students say one of the biggest problems is the lack of maintenance and willingness to repair errors and defects that occur. – We don’t get the help we need from the host. We want them to stop “ghosting” us, says Dilara. Landlord: – We are very sorry The Umeus rental company writes that they are sorry that the students feel ignored and that they are not believed. – We are very sorry that some of our tenants are left with this experience. Our intention is always to find solutions to problems that may arise during the rental period. We take all inquiries seriously and try to find good solutions. Umeus rents out to over 600 students in Trondheim. Photo: Mathias Kartveit Mikalsen / news Umeus is a fairly new housing association for students. It will start letting in Trondheim in 2022 and rents out to over 600 students. – In the big picture, I see that the number of inquiries about defects is relatively low, they add. The rental company says they try to treat their tenants professionally. – If in some cases I have seemed rude or ignorant, that is of course regrettable. We will take the feedback with us, adds Umeus. Published 05.10.2024, at 16.35
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Students complain about housing conditions and renters in Trondheim – news Trøndelag – Local news, TV and radio
