post-tenancy cleaning

nightbuffalo

hi - first-time original poster, please excuse the rambling.

I have moved out of a rented flat. In the check-in inventory it stated that it had not been professionally cleaned by the previous tenant.

I spent a good few years there - natural wear and tear and all that - so was willing when I moved out, pre-getting-the-deposit-back, to pay for it to be cleaned. The LL intimated (correctly, as it turned out) this would mean I get all my deposit back.

I got it cleaned, by a company she recommended, and all seemed fine. but when she inspected it, pre-inventory checkout, the carpets had not been cleaned. this wasn't included in the original quote (which was by the hour, not a final-price quote) so I got someone else to come in and clean them.

All seemed fine, the inventory was done and I duly got all the deposit back, but a month later I get call from ex-LL saying the new tenants have complained the kitchen cupboards aren't clean enough and can I please sort it out.

I have to say the LL was extremely helpful and I don't want to p**s her off, but I'm a bit naive to all this cos previously this has been taken out of my deposit by the EA and I've not had to worry about it.

Can I simply call the cleaner back - after so long - and get them to come back and clean them (without any extra cost to myself)?

I'd have thought this is something that should have been picked up by the checkout inventory prior to me getting my deposit back.. I thought it would have ended with that and I don't want to be forever getting phone calls about a flat I have moved on from and already forgotten.

any advice gratefully received.
nb

Heelz

surely if the ll accepted this to be to his standards the issue is between the landlords standards and the new tenants standards and nothing to do with you.

VickyA_2

When we've moved into rented houses, the "professional cleaning" that has been carried out has been quite shocking. Our choice was always to reclean the house (with a bit of help from my mum ) and do the same when we move out. Never had our deposit withheld once.

Surely that as the LL has already completed the inventory, then they don't have a leg to stand on? Point out that everything was satisfactory beforehand...

amy104

Personally it sounds like you made a lot of effort when you moved out. If you had your check out signed off and have had your deposit back then I don't think this is your responsibility. If it was an issue they should of said so at the time.

chewmylegoff

your tenancy has ended, you paid for the place to be cleaned, your cleaning was considered adequate and your deposit was returned.

if the new tenants are not happy with the state of the place, then it is the landlord's problem as they were happy with the standard of cleaning when they inspected it. you are not legally (or morally for that matter in my view) responsible for sorting this out.

Out,_Vile_Jelly

What, the LL is expecting you to pay for further cleaning after everything has been agreed, signed off and the full deposit returned? Perhaps they want you to go round and polish the new tenants' shoes and tidy up their sock drawer too?

You could politely reply stating you no longer have any legal connection with the property, or you could just ignore it for the nonsense it is.

SGE1

Everyone here is right. You've more than fulfilled your responsibilities (I would guess most landlords would be happy to have you as a tenant!); your deposit was returned, meaning that the state of the property was cfully acceptable to the landlady at the time. She can't just change her mind now!

clutton_2

amateur landlords, dontcha just hate 'em - blinking cheek .....