Awful mattress

F412

Have you tried flipping it over OP? The last place I was in the mattress wasnt great was probably 10 years+ old and slept on my multiple different people (houseshare). So I flipped it over and it did me ok then as the LL most likely wouldn't have replaced it and I wasn't going spending money on it.

Current place I reckon my mattress is many years old too and I've no idea how many different housemates have slept on it but its actually in decent condition and fairly comfy so does me fine.

I'd be slow to spend my money on a mattress in a place I was renting as who knows what the next place you move to will be like, will it fit, what size bed etc. Id be waiting till I owned my own place before investing in a mattress.

beauf

lima wrote: »

Furnishings must be maintained in good condition though, which, due to lack of elaboration in law, is subjective....

Good condition and repair is not subjective. But that's the only requirement.

lima wrote: »

...A person pays for a service, the service is not up to legal standards. T...

There isn't a legal standard for comfort.

ted1

lima wrote: »

Again, read post 23.

I have read post #23 and there is no reference.

Now here is a link : http://www.environ.ie/en/legislation/DevelopmentandHousing/housing/FileDownLoad,19142,en.pdf

now please point out the section and paragraph that you are referring to.

ted1

lima wrote: »

It's not logic, I'm quoting law. You're trying to be smart, but you're not.

When my shower broke my landlord replaced it.

your not quoting law. To quote law you must refer to the section of law.

your duck and diving the question been asked. you through out the name of a piece of legislation but can't point out the applicable section.

emeldc

I'm not being hostile. You're generalising that Landlords make a profit and can 'afford it'. They don't. I am one so I know. I also know of a few accidental Landlords in Dublin who have to get the best price available for their 2 bed apt to put to the rent of a 3 bed semi for their growing family. I can guarantee you they're not making a profit.
Maybe the mattress is in bits, who knows, only the OP and the LL can work that one out. But by your thinking it should be changed simply because the OP says it's uncomfortable for him. If that was the case the LL could end up changing the mattress every year with each new tenant.
For example, I changed a double mattress for a tenant who asked for one. The old one was 6 years old, so I didn't mind and they are good tenants. I bought one in Ikea for €110 which I would assume is good enough for most. The tenant was delighted with it but had they found it uncomfortable would I have bought them another one? I don't think so.

lima

ted1 wrote: »

I have read post #23 and there is no reference.

Now here is a link : http://www.environ.ie/en/legislation/DevelopmentandHousing/housing/FileDownLoad,19142,en.pdf

now please point out the section and paragraph that you are referring to.

Please refer to the amendment here:

http://www.environ.ie/en/Legislation/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/FileDownLoad,21710,en.pdf

Section 2 (c)

aido79

lima wrote: »

Is utilizing your legal rights frowned upon or something?

A person pays for a service, the service is not up to legal standards. The person seeks to address this. Am I missing something? You seems startled..

There's no need to be hostile towards me, all I am doing is saying what the law says, and trying to interpret it for the benefit of the OP.

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/renting_a_home/repairs_maintenance_and_minimum_physical_standards.html

http://www.environ.ie/en/legislation/DevelopmentandHousing/housing/FileDownLoad,19142,en.pdf

http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/FileDownLoad,33422,en.pdf

http://www.environ.ie/en/Legislation/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/FileDownLoad,21710,en.pdf

In the first link that you provided (which I presume you read) there is a list of things which a landlord must supply. A mattress, or even a bed, is not on that list so I would take that as meaning that supplying either of these is not a legal requirement.

lima

ted1 wrote: »

your not quoting law. To quote law you must refer to the section of law.

your duck and diving the question been asked. you through out the name of a piece of legislation but can't point out the applicable section.

I am asking you, as a grown adult, to look at the quoted documentation yourself. Granted, there is an amendment, but further research would have enlightened you to it.

Please explain where I have been 'ducking' and 'diving' the question? Are you having an argument with yourself or something?

Please refer to the amendment here:

http://www.environ.ie/en/Legislation...d,21710,en.pdf

Section 2 (c)

lima

aido79 wrote: »

In the first link that you provided (which I presume you read) there is a list of things which a landlord must supply. A mattress, or even a bed, is not on that list so I would take that as meaning that supplying either of these is not a legal requirement.

Yeah I was thinking that, certainly open to interpenetration. The way I see it is like this:

If the landlord does not supply a bed, then he can't get in trouble for supplying one on bad condition.

If the landlord does supply a bed, then he is responsible for maintaining it in good condition and repair.

This does mean the landlord could just take the bed out and tell the OP to go **** himself :pac:

Perhaps someone with experience in this situation can add in a constructive comment.

runawaybishop

lima wrote: »

I am asking you, as a grown adult, to look at the quoted documentation yourself. Granted, there is an amendment, but further research would have enlightened you to it.

Please explain where I have been 'ducking' and 'diving' the question? Are you having an argument with yourself or something?

Please refer to the amendment here:

http://www.environ.ie/en/Legislation...d,21710,en.pdf

Section 2 (c)

Is it hard to just copy out the relevant section?

(
c
) in Article 5, by substituting for sub-article (2) the following:
“(2) For the purposes of sub-article (1) ‘a proper state of structural
repair’ means sound, internally and externally, with roof, roofing tiles
and slates, windows, floors, ceilings, walls, stairs, doors, skirting boards,
fascia, tiles on any floor, ceiling and wall, gutters, down pipes, fittings,
furnishings, gardens and common areas maintained in good condition
and repair and not defective due to dampness or otherwise.”,


^^ The OP hasn't indicated the mattress is not in good repair.

testaccount123

runawaybishop wrote: »

^^ The OP hasn't indicated the mattress is not in good repair.

Well he has, hence the thread...

runawaybishop

testaccount123 wrote: »

Well he has, hence the thread...

No, he said its very uncomfortable. That doesn't mean its not in good repair as comfort is subjective. If its in bad repair the LL should replace it, if its just not comfortable to the OP the LL may or may not replace it but is under no obligation.

April 73

Option 1 - ask the landlord nicely to replace the mattress.

Option 2 - ask the landlord what he would normally pay for a mattress & ask if you can add to it for a better one. You may be able to take it with you.

Option 3 - ask the landlord to remove the mattress & buy a reasonably priced one for yourself. I bought a very comfortable one recently reduced to €230 & there are cheaper out there.

As always in boards - pages of chat & discussion when the simple thing to do is speak to the landlord & come to a mutually agreeable decision. It doesn't have to be confrontational.

galwayjohn89

Mattress is a tough one. Friend spent over a thousand on a mattress and loved it. I couldn't sleep on it and slept on the floor instead. Comfort is very subjective.

MmmmmCheese

OP here again, thanks for all the replies, I appreciate all your input.

A lot of posters here are under the impression that I'm complaining about the mattress because I want one that's particularly comfy, but that's not the case. As I said in my OP, I've lived in many rented houses and have had slept on quite a lot of not so comfy mattresses. This is fine by me, I understand that It's the nature of renting, I don't expect luxury, the basic bare necessities are fine by me.

This mattress is different though in that I think it's the way it is because it's well worn, possibly very old. The springs are protruding right out; I seriously doubt you can buy a mattress that uncomfortable, regardless of cheapness, which leads me to believe it's due to wear and tear.

As for comfort being objective, I can't imagine anyone finding this mattress comfortable, unless they enjoy lying on springs.

I'm still hesitant to mention anything to the landlord though due to people's opinions here and being a chronic confrontation avoider.

MmmmmCheese

April 73 wrote: »

As always in boards - pages of chat & discussion when the simple thing to do is speak to the landlord & come to a mutually agreeable decision. It doesn't have to be confrontational.

I think you've hit the nail on the head here. Maybe asking him is the best thing, I just feel bad troubling him when we've just moved in.

beauf

I don't doubt its bad. And it's reasonable to ask for something useable. Just to be aware its a bit of grey area. A charm offensive might go a long way.

April 73

MmmmmCheese wrote: »

I think you've hit the nail on the head here. Maybe asking him is the best thing, I just feel bad troubling him when we've just moved in.

It's all to do with how you approach it. The worst the LL can say is no. Start by saying you're really pleased with the place & everything is great except for one small problem - the mattress is very bad. Ask the LL face to face - it's harder to say no face to face than it is by text or email. Go on the charm offensive. It's not a confrontation - you're just asking for something relatively small - especially if it is old & worn.

MoodeRator

Maybe just buy a cheap topper for now?

borderlinemeath

beauf wrote: »

I don't doubt its bad. And it's reasonable to ask for something useable. Just to be aware its a bit of grey area. A charm offensive might go a long way.

Exactly this. A bit of politeness and harmonious communication will go a long long way with getting what you want.

Demand a new one OP

And this is exactly what not to do. As with any dealing or transaction between two parties, the way to reach an agreement is certainly not for either side to "demand" anything. It's a sure fire way to put the landlords back up and sour the relationship.

OP, we always buy the hafslo mattress from Ikea for any rentals, never had any complaints about it and it's only €110 if you had to buy it yourself. If you only use it for the six months of the lease and don't want to bring it to your next home put it on adverts and get a few quid back.

http://www.ikea.com/ie/en/products/mattresses/mattresses-toppers/hafslo-sprung-mattress-firm-beige-art-00258052/

MmmmmCheese

MmmmmCheese wrote: »

I think you've hit the nail on the head here. Maybe asking him is the best thing, I just feel bad troubling him when we've just moved in.

Did you try turning it over?

MmmmmCheese

Mackenzie Fit Racquetball wrote: »

Did you try turning it over?

And on this note I feel a bit silly.

We kind of assumed that the other side would be just as bad if the guy who lived here before us had never bothered to turn it. We turned it tonight though and I must say it's much better! Not wonderful, but definitely sleep-able.

We might still put a duvet under the sheet to make it more comfortable, but thankfully there's no need to go troubling the landlord now.

The_Conductor

maggiepip wrote: »

Get a memory foam topper, they'll make almost any mattress comfortable.

Big time.
Argos- and even Ikea- sell these at very reasonable prices.
They are indispensable.
Even the cheaper ones are very effective.

Jaketherake

I dont supply mattresses anymore. for several reasons.

no two people are ever happy with the same mattress, no matter how expensive.

people always remove the protectors of the mattresses and put them back on before they leave. always.

I would never sleep on a used mattress in a rental myself. a friend worked for a testing company years ago and pointed out to me the stuff that is on mattresses. it would make your skin crawl. From semen and other bodily fluids to skin, hair, sh1t, piss, sweat, saliva, puss from sores, athletes foot and other fungi, blood and many more. and you can't see it most of the time, but its there. I have even asked for another room in a hotel once when I saw the mattress.

I wouldn't put that on my tenants, but quality I'm not buying a new mattress for every letting as I would only buying the cheapest and nobody wants that.

So when letting there are beds but no mattresses. Any clean and self respecting tenant understands why they must get their own and some walk away too. but it works for me.

Glenbhoy

Mattresses were traditionally supplied by landlords, however, the new tier of tenants (ie families, long term rentors (like myself)), tend to have our own furniture and if we can't find unfurnished property, we will ask the landlord to store the 'furnishings' elsewhere.
Rental property furnishings tend to be sourced from the free sections of 'done deal', 'gumtree' or 'adverts' in my experience, and understandably so. They will meet min requirements, but as time goes on and we move towards the international norm of tenants providing their own furniture, we'll see more and more properties let 'unfurnished'.
If I was OP, i'd ask landlord if (s)he would store the mattress and buy a decent one, otherwise the topper option is an excellent alternative.

Tarzana2

Plus, OP, if you get a mattress topper, spills and stains are not an issue, as the topper tends to mop up all the spill.

I'm not saying you'll stain the mattress but anyone can get ill from, er, either end, or indeed you could just spill tea or toiletries on it and once a mattress is stained, you'll be replacing it when you move out. Unfortunately my mattress is stained in my rental but I just have accepted I'll be replacing it when I go!

lima

ted1 wrote: »

your not quoting law. To quote law you must refer to the section of law.

your duck and diving the question been asked. you through out the name of a piece of legislation but can't point out the applicable section.

Have you been able to read the legislation I provided or were you just trolling?

newacc2015

lima wrote: »

Have you been able to read the legislation I provided or were you just trolling?

Broad legislation open to interpretation and no means of enforcing it? Like most Laws on Ireland, its just another thing on paper with no means of enforcing. The PRTB have bigger fish to fry and the courts will laugh at you for trying to enforce this.

lima

newacc2015 wrote: »

Broad legislation open to interpretation and no means of enforcing it? Like most Laws on Ireland, its just another thing on paper with no means of enforcing. The PRTB have bigger fish to fry and the courts will laugh at you for trying to enforce this.

In my opinion it's not really broad. It's quite specific to rental dwellings. I find it somewhat easy to interpret: Furnishings should be maintained in good condition and repair.

The local authority is responsible for enforcing this law.

The OP would have a legal right though, and what the landlord would be doing by refusing would be illegal/unlawful/against the law.

beauf

The OP didn't original offer any information other than it was uncomfortable.

They have since clarified that its, actually "old & worn". On that basis you would be entitled to ask for it to be replaced.

But the LL can buy supply a new one that may also be uncomfortable.

handlemaster

Wabbit Ears wrote: »

Sorry but in my experience no landlord provides good may matresses.

Ask the landlord to remove the existing one and get your own that you've chosen to be comfortable for you.

I did . Never again. Tenant liked them so much I never seen them again after they moved out.

newacc2015

lima wrote: »

In my opinion it's not really broad. It's quite specific to rental dwellings. I find it somewhat easy to interpret: Furnishings should be maintained in good condition and repair.

The local authority is responsible for enforcing this law.

The OP would have a legal right though, and what the landlord would be doing by refusing would be illegal/unlawful/against the law.

So they should enforce a spoiled mattress, while with their limited resources they should ignore more important issues like rented accommodation with lack of fire blankets, fire alarms etc. Items that are of actual concern and importance. They turn a blind eye to petty planning BS. Why would they enforce something trivial like this?

lima

newacc2015 wrote: »

So they should enforce a spoiled mattress, while with their limited resources they should ignore more important issues like rented accommodation with lack of fire blankets, fire alarms etc. Items that are of actual concern and importance. They turn a blind eye to petty planning BS. Why would they enforce something trivial like this?

It is the law.