HELP! Landlord trying to keep deposit?

rosepatch

Me and two friends are leaving our tenancy this week and have received a letter from our landlord on Friday and would really appreciate some advice on how to respond to it.

The main points of her letter are:

1:

she states that she had to replace the electric hob in august because it had "malfunctioned because of accumulated burned on food". The hob really wasn't that bad and is it even possible for it to break because of dirt?!

2:

the flat suffers from damp and mould. Six months ago she sent a cleaner in to clean a wall in my room, the flat came with two dehumidifiers (never a good sign!). when the landlord came around for an inspection she said that the clothes we had drying in the flat were causing condensation and mould on the windows and the walls, and that we should use the electric dryer. This is expensive and surely up to us how we dry our clothes? Do you think she's trying to blame us for the mould in the flat?

3:

she asked us to clear the floor of clothes and shoes so that perspective tenants don't trip over and can see the rooms. This seems extremely picky as we are tidy tenants and we're still living here!

Any advice would be much appreciated with how to respond. To us it seems that she is setting it up to take money out of our deposits. What do you think?

Thanks again

roseyd

tbs624

Was there an inventory done when you moved in? You only have to leave the propertyin the same condition as when let, save for fair wear and tear . Google "mydeposits" and "Landlords guide to fair wear and tear " and "ARLA" and "dilapidations"

If total rent is less than 25 k per annum, and property is in Eng/Wales, has the LL scheme -registered your tenancy deposit? (presuming deposit paid/tenancy signed/renewed post 6 Apr 2007)

If you don't know, then check mydeposits, DPS and TDS online.

As you say, the fact that dehumidifiers came with the property suggests an awareness of a pre existing damp problem.

However, your LL is right that handing wet washing indoors creates condensation and can exacerbate mould issues, especially if combined with a lack of adequate ventilation. That said, running a dehumidifier in the same room should help.

If there is damp/mould on the walls that has occured during your tenancy then you as the Ts need to clean it - people on here recommend Dettox mould remover and one by HG , although I reckon dilute Milton does the job just as well (mind soft furnishings)

What does the inventory state about the original cooker ? Was anything said about food debris when the replacement was made? I'd ask her to produce evidence of what she is saying, as food debris would cause issues inside a microwave but I don't see how it would affect a hob that much.

Some LLs have an unfortunate way of approaching things. You don't have to agree to her showing prospective Ts around, so she should be asking you nicely, and as it your home for the duration of your tenancy you are free to live as you please so long as you don't cause damage/deterioration.