£243 cleaning bill!

lilac_lady

When my daughter and her friend gave up their flat they thought they'd cleaned it but when I checked it was obvious that they didn't know what clean meant. I cleaned it for them and they got back their deposit without any hassle. Maybe you thought the flat was cleaned to an acceptable standard but younger people (in general) don't notice what we oldies notice.

sooz

tbs624 wrote: »

Blimey Sooz, can you get a normal weekly cleaner for a fiver per hour near you?

No chance, but in East London £4 is pricey

sooz

currynchips wrote: »

Were you send any quotes before the work was done, or are they now saying they have done the work & it cost this much?

The latter. They have charged and deducted from deposit.
What will the small claims court cost me in terms of time and money up front?

We have photos of what it looked like when we moved in, taken by us not them. Especially of the jungle of a garden, however our photos are fairly general, ie 1 per room.

I'm prepared to take this a lot further, as long as I can persuade the OH to do so too.

In which case, with no inventory, & work already done without giving you quotes, I'd say letter before action now. Request your full deposit back in 7 days (14 if you are feeling generous) or will start small claims court action. Then do. I think it'll cost you £80 to file the claim. Have a look at Eager learner's mammoth thread for inspiration.

Are you dealing direct with the LL, or is there a letting agent involved? You need to be sure who to name on the small claims court forms.

currynchips

I'm dealing with the lettings agent who fully manage the property on behalf of the LL.
Less inspired by the £80 fee for putting in a claim mind, especially with the hassle.
Think I'll go to the citizen's advice place, unless someone on here can give me some links to back up what is being said.

Thanks!

sooz

currynchips wrote: »

I'm dealing with the lettings agent who fully manage the property on behalf of the LL.
Less inspired by the £80 fee for putting in a claim mind, especially with the hassle.
Think I'll go to the citizen's advice place, unless someone on here can give me some links to back up what is being said.

Thanks!

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/advice_topics/paying_for_a_home/tenancy_deposits/bond_schemes

You can also claim your court costs & interest (if you win)