Query about getting deposit back

gazfocus

I have just moved out of what I would call a nightmare house (hooray)!!

Anyway, as some of you will know, I've been having problems with the LA/LL trying to get any repairs done and all requests (even when sent recorded delivery) have gone unanswered and as a result I decided to move.

Anyway, I had my inspection today, where the LL AND LA showed up and I am now worried that they're going to try and deduct money from my deposit.

The LL was commenting on tiny drops of paint on the carpet and larger marks (the larger marks were all there when I moved in) and she also said the stainless steel oven is knackered (even though all thats wrong with it is a stain (presumably from something burning) in between the 2 knobs on the front). The LA were commenting on paint being on the skirting boards (we didn't finish the decorating as we were waiting for the LL to fix a piece of coving that fell down), and was literally slating the house, saying it was a horrible house (which really upset the LL).

So what can I do? I didn't sign an inventory when I moved in, but how can I use that as an arguement when they know we did the decorating?

clutton_2

if you did not both sign an inventory ( LL/LA & Tenant) then they have no proof that anything happened after you moved in and so cannot legally deduct anything from your deposit..

is your deposit in a deposit scheme ?

if you painted and got paint on the carpet then the LL would have been able to claim a replacement (less wear and tear costs ) from you - as splashed paint is damage

gazfocus

clutton wrote: »

is your deposit in a deposit scheme ?

if you painted and got paint on the carpet then the LL would have been able to claim a replacement (less wear and tear costs ) from you - as splashed paint is damage

Yes, the deposit is protected. Can the LL claim a 'replacement cost' even though an inventory wasn't signed? When I say tiny drops, I mean literally a few tiny marks but nothing in comparison to the larger marks that were on the carpet when I moved in.

Also, can the LL chase me for more than the deposit was? (i.e. if she tries claiming for oven and carpets etc, and say the total cost is £600, can she chase me for the amount not covered by the deposit)?

Thanks

caeler

As clutton said, if no inventory was signed there is no proof that you caused any of the 'damage'.

clutton_2

which scheme is it protected by ?

gazfocus

The Dispute Service (TDS)