Part Ex Vacation Bond...extra money demanded!

JoJoArmani

Please help!

We completed a part exchange 2 months ago.

One the day of moving I had a nightmare - I broke a door from the vestible to living room and also one of the back door keys snapped (but was secure).

I had intended to leave a good suite and bed/chest of drawers & a TV/Dvd player etc that I had no use for in the house - this would have been helpful I thought for selling the place on. However, a few days before the move I thought I better check to make sure this wouldn't invalidate my vacation bond/retention and the day before the move I was told I had to clear all furniture out.

My partner was refused time off and I was stuck with my FIL and man with van trying to sort the place out. The sofa wouldn't come out hence door removed - glass door fell over and broke. Then I was so stressed I wanted to cry and run away...but I thought sod it - I've lost the retention bond I 'll just leave the stuff I won't want and forget the cleaning ..didn't see the point after breaking the door.

Then I managed to lock the back door but snapped one of the keys.

Anyway.... I have now recevied a letter asking for a further £1015.36 as the property was not left in a satisfactory condition. On top of the £500 bond I have lost.

Crickey! If I'd have known that they would bill me so much I'd have gone back the next day and done the tidy up.

I can't see in my contract that I have to pay any extra...but obviously it does state that the property will be in a tidy manner etc etc...but do I have to pay this?

I really can't afford it. What can I do? Think I might counter sue them for leaving me in a house with 3 kids under 6 with no gas for 24 hours!

Help!!

sooz

Were leaving a rental to move into your new home?

Yes, you would have to pay for the damage you caused.

Yes, you would have to pay to remove the stuff you left behind.

Yes, you should have gone back to tidy up

However, you should have been sent quotes for repairs first.

I don't imagine you can counter-sue for being without gas for 24hours, whatever age your children

JoJoArmani

No not rented. Was a part exchange.

sooz

Sorry, I have no idea how a part exchange works.

I saw the £500 bond & assumed you were in a rental property.

terryw

I assume that you have pxed your home for a new one with a builder.

I fear that you will have to pay as the contract will state the condition in which your old property had to be left. It would in retrospect have been wiser to repair the damage yourself. Best that I can suggest is for you to check the itemised bills from the builder for the repairs to see if these are reasonable.

the poster formerly known as
terryw

dexters_mum_2

I know when one of the major housebuilder buy a house in part ex, they are really stringent, basically they want a quick turnaround for a sale afterwards.

If they have to carry out the work to facilitate a quick sale (mind you, in this market it is unlikely to happen), they'll go ahead and take it from the bond if it is below that amount. I was lead to believe by the housebuilder I used to know that they would always get quotes in and offer the previous occupier the opportunity to get the work done at their own expense and withold the initial bond you paid in addition.

I suspect, if you check the paperwork, and indeed the clause is almost the same if you buy/sell a house withouth PX, that the property must be left in a clean and tody condition and all rubbish removed, we had to take action against the previous owner of our house because she left a huge amount of belongings in the house garden and shed.

Do though, ask for an inventory of the works, if they say put down 'redecoration', and you know you haven't casued any damage to warrant redecoration, dispute it. However, if when the door smashed it bashed the wall or took off paint, you may have to consider that as part of the damage.

DM

JoJoArmani

Thanks for your replies.

I have asked for a breakdown of this cost as it seems extreme! The place was hardly trashed and they have not contacted me regarding an repairs or quotes.

Well i'm going to go through this house with a fine tooth comb and hit them with a lovely snagging list.

Think I will also get the letter of complaint regarding the gas sent off as well. I'd rather clean a house than be on the phone for 8 hours trying to get someone to help me get the gas re-connected with 2 crying babies to contend with at the same time - what a nightmare this whole thing has been!