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My Landlady has ripped me off.

Myself and my partner have recently moved from a property that we have rented for the last 4 years, The landlady came with a witness to inspect the property on our departure, we agreed only two things that would be taken from the deposit of £1392.86 these were a door replacement for one of the bedrooms, and some pruning that needed to be done in the front garden.
It has since taken nearly six weeks to recieve a cheque from her and she has taken around £690 off the deposit. She has also re let the house and has had tenants in since around 2 weeks after us leaving.
She has also charged us for a replacement mattress, although I would have thought this would be her responsibility, as we have been there for so long, as it surely is a health risk to use the same beds for the next tennants, after us sleeping in them for 4 years?
I haven't read the letter explaining her reasoning as yet because I am at work and as I said it has only turned up today.
I think I am going to need to get some legal advice on what to do next. Anyone got any ideas?
Thanks

Comments

  • Thrugelmir
    Thrugelmir Posts: 89,546 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Jumlarby wrote: »
    Myself and my partner have recently moved from a property that we have rented for the last 4 years, The landlady came with a witness to inspect the property on our departure, we agreed only two things that would be taken from the deposit of £1392.86 these were a door replacement for one of the bedrooms, and some pruning that needed to be done in the front garden.
    It has since taken nearly six weeks to recieve a cheque from her and she has taken around £690 off the deposit. She has also re let the house and has had tenants in since around 2 weeks after us leaving.
    She has also charged us for a replacement mattress, although I would have thought this would be her responsibility, as we have been there for so long, as it surely is a health risk to use the same beds for the next tennants, after us sleeping in them for 4 years?
    I haven't read the letter explaining her reasoning as yet because I am at work and as I said it has only turned up today.
    I think I am going to need to get some legal advice on what to do next. Anyone got any ideas?
    Thanks

    Why ask for advice when you haven't read the letter from your LL.
  • I have heard what it says I just haven't read it myself yet.
  • Jomo
    Jomo Posts: 8,253 Forumite
    What does it say then?
  • sooz
    sooz Posts: 4,560 Forumite
    Jumlarby wrote: »
    She has also charged us for a replacement mattress, although I would have thought this would be her responsibility, as we have been there for so long, as it surely is a health risk to use the same beds for the next tennants, after us sleeping in them for 4 years?

    why would your mattress be a health risk? If so, what do you think hotels do with their mattresses?

    It is unlikely that after 4 years of use, charging you the full amount for a replacement mattress can be considered reasonable, but it might be an idea for you to actually read the letter first to see exactly what you have been charged for & why. ;)
  • 00ec25
    00ec25 Posts: 9,123 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    sounds like a recurrence of the usual issues:

    - was the checkout inventory documented, did you, and the LL (and her witness?) sign it. Were there any expilicit terms and conditions stated on it which the LL may now alledge you have thus agreed to?

    - the LL cannot deduct for wear and tear (an aging mattress)
    - the LL cannot seek betterment/improvement (ie new for old)

    post up exactly what explantion stated in her letter and lets see if she really is ripping you off or is simply accusing you (admittedly after checkout) of damage
  • Jomo
    Jomo Posts: 8,253 Forumite
    Wasn't the mattress mentioned at the inspection?

    Maybe she inspected it afterwards and noticed some staining??
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