Landlord showing tenants around before notice period starts

clutton_2

clean everything.. whether it was clean when you moved in or not... this LL is bound to try to with-hold some money from your deposit... if you are squeaky clean then the Dispute Team ? Arbiters will see that you have made every effort....

dont forget

oven
skirtings
hall/lobby
sink
drawers
cupboards

i would clarify exactly what day they want the keys back... put in a letter with the keys clarifying that you have surrendered the tenancy as from x date

what you ideally want is to accompany them on the check-out inventory - you can but ask..... and get a signature from them that the property is satisfactory ....

StudentMoneySaver

I didn't pay a deposit at all, they didn't request one and the contract says they didn't take one. They didn't even do a check in inventory so I'm guessing they won't do a check out one (it would be pointless wouldn't it?). I think I moved in within a day of the previous tenant moving out (or their contract ending) which accounts for the disgustingness.

How would you clean the oven? I've just been trying to do it, I've got all the grease out but there are still some caked on black marks (I think they were there originally). I've never been able to get them off, this is the third time I've cleaned the oven since I've been here.

I'll type up a letter saying that the tenancy has been surrendered from the day I post them off (probably next Wednesday). I presume they'd want the keys back by 12pm 29th May (the date they stated on their notice, I have two copies of their notice letter, one sent by recorded and one by standard post, so they can't say they didn't send it) so if I get them back before then I should be ok.

Fire_Fox

StudentMoneySaver wrote: »

Hello everyone.

I just wanted some advice on cleaning the flat. Are there are really good multi purpose products that anyone would recommend to make light work of the final clean? Also, any tips on cleaning in general, places to look out for etc?

The notice they gave ends on a Saturday, should I send the keys to get their on the Friday? They claim to work 6 or 7 days a week but I'm not so sure. Is recorded delivery good enough or should I go for special delivery? And do I need to send anything in writing with the keys?

Thanks your for you help everyone. Only one more exam and a couple of days then I'm free from these people (I hope).

Sugar soap is absolutely amazing to clean scuffs off walls that come off with no other product, a great degreaser and will even do small amounts of nicotine. Be gentle on emulsioned walls and don't panic if a tiny bit of paint comes off on the cloth. Sugar soap is cheap and available from supermarkets and DIY sheds.

Also worth a mention is the yellow Stardrops - cheap and multi-purpose - but you can use a good washing up liquid if you already have some. By far the best oven cleaner is Oven Pride, MUCH better than Mr. Muscle and won't choke you. If you have hard water you will need to use descaler on taps, sinks, shower screen, tiles, etc. Stardrops will clean some off, white vinegar or lemon juice if it is a tough job.

Clean every last ledge from the top of doors and skirting boards, under and behind everything: go through the inventory as you do so. Don't forget to do inside the powder drawer on the washing machine, check the tumble dryer filter for fluff and filters on washing machine and dishwasher. Run an empty cycle on the washing machine and dishwasher: you can get specialised cleaning products if they are looking gunked up or you can use white vinegar. Clean as many of the windows inside and out as you can safely access - Tesco Value microfibre cloths are great for polishing glass.

Whilst you still have keys it can be argued you still have possession - keys MUST go special delivery (recorded is only proof of posting not a guarantee of receipt) or be hand delivered. Careful what you send in writing as an address plus keys .... maybe e-mail asking what they would like you to do with the keys, make sure you get an e-mailed not verbal response.

StudentMoneySaver wrote: »

I forgot to ask. Does anyone have any advice about taking photographs of the flat? What do I focus on (if anything)?

Photograph EVERYTHING that is mentioned in the inventory and more: front, back, sides and inside where appropriate, include a major newspaper in some shots as the headline will date the photos. This is your protection if there is a deposit dispute.

clutton_2

in view of the fact that there was no inventory on move-in and that you did not pay a deposit.... i would now recommend a superficial clean... what can they do - they have no proof of move-in condition....

Fire_Fox

StudentMoneySaver wrote: »

I didn't pay a deposit at all, they didn't request one and the contract says they didn't take one. They didn't even do a check in inventory so I'm guessing they won't do a check out one (it would be pointless wouldn't it?). I think I moved in within a day of the previous tenant moving out (or their contract ending) which accounts for the disgustingness.

How would you clean the oven? I've just been trying to do it, I've got all the grease out but there are still some caked on black marks (I think they were there originally). I've never been able to get them off, this is the third time I've cleaned the oven since I've been here.

I'll type up a letter saying that the tenancy has been surrendered from the day I post them off (probably next Wednesday). I presume they'd want the keys back by 12pm 29th May (the date they stated on their notice, I have two copies of their notice letter, one sent by recorded and one by standard post, so they can't say they didn't send it) so if I get them back before then I should be ok.

Cross posted with you. I'd still cover your rear with photos - tho there can be no deposit dispute if there is no deposit and no inventory - but you probably don't want the hassle of them complaining you trashed the place. Tenancy is not surrendered from when you post, only from when the keys arrive. I don't think they can insist on noon, if you have paid rent for a full day you should be able to get the keys back during working hours.

Oven Pride will get the oven and shelves like new - even the crusted burned bits - but you really need to leave it overnight. I am terrible for getting impatient and attacking it after only a couple of hours. Cheapest place for Oven Pride is Home Bargains or B&M, otherwise try Wilko or supermarkets.

Wee_Willy_Harris

Fire_Fox wrote: »

I don't think they can insist on noon, if you have paid rent for a full day you should be able to get the keys back during working hours.

QUOTE]

Just FYI, the law doesn't recognise fractions of a day, so whatever date the keys have to be in, that's the day, all 24 glorious hours of it. Of course, I'm not suggesting you do anything uncooperative. Make it as easy on yourself as you can.

StudentMoneySaver

I'll send the keys by special delivery to arrive by Friday, just to be safe. If they refused delivery (not sure why they would, they want to let it out desperately by the looks of things), would the fact I attempted to send them back be enough to prevent them from claiming another month of rent?

I'll make a shopping list of cleaning products you guys have suggested after my exam tomorrow and give the flat a decent clean early next week. The next tenants (if there are any) will have it rotten enough with this agent without having to clean as well.

clutton_2

what date have you paid yoru rent and what date are you planning to hand over the keys ?

StudentMoneySaver

I paid the last rent instalment on the 30th April. The notice letter they sent said that I must vacate by 12pm 29th May so I have to hand back the keys before that date. I'm planning to send the keys back by special delivery on Wednesday (or earlier if I finish cleaning earlier) to arrive by Friday 28th May so there isn't any dispute about handing the keys back late.

marcowil

Given the way you have been treated, I would be tempted to do the most superficial of cleanings. They have no check-in inventory or deposit to hold against you so why help them in any way.