Overzealous landlord stress!

sooz

Binks wrote: »

I guess it's just up to the individual landlord and we're going to get stung.

It's the other things that are really getting us down. Any advice on these?
Can we use the inventory clerks findings as support for any other disputed items?

It's not up to the landlord, but up to the deposit scheme that's been used.

Keep all correspondance from your LL.

Do you have proof that he states the dishwasher clips were broken? Then print off evidence that shows how much new clips are.

As I said earlier, get written quotes from local companies for full carpet cleaning.

The inventory clerk works for both you and the LL. Her evidence is yours too.

Binks wrote: »

Indeed it seems that the tenancy agreement stipulates that the flat must be cleaned by the tenant or by a professional to the same standard as it was at the start of the tenancy. So I guess we're over a barrel really. Under this clause, they can charge us for pretty much whatever they want up to the standard of a spangly new flat.

Re the carpet, I don't think you are getting stung. You had a clean carpet & left a dirty one. It's a shame you didn't either clean the full carpet, hire rug doctor for the day, or pay a professional to clean it for you at the time.

The LL is not out to charge you whatever they want for a spangly new flat. He just wants his flat back clean, as it was when he let it.

Binks

For anybody else who may be following. As Sooz suggested, dirt is never considered fair wear and tear...
Although the carpet itself appears clean, a 'spot clean' would likely leave a spangly area. The landlord can therefore insist that the entire carpet is cleaned. Because our carpet extends throughout the entire flat our deposit return is likely to be vastly deminished. Even though the independent clerk suggested otherwise

Lesson learnt: Flats with brand new cream carpets = bad news.

I dread to think how far he can take this, based on the flat being new. It's not just the carpets you see, he is preparing a list.

Your right Sooz we should have got out professional cleaners. We just never had this in the past. Lesson learnt.

I'll post back when I find out how much this mistake is going to set us back.

tbs624

Binks wrote: »

If only I could post the photographs for you guys to see.

PM one of us with a link to photobucket or similar.:)

clutton_2

ARLA are but recommendations - not law.... ..... i y ou want to see how the realities of deductions work, then research the three deposit scheme websites were there are specific guidelines drawn up by Arbitation dispute staff for W&T deductions....

PROFESSIONAL_LANDLORD

sooz wrote: »

Shower screens are a :mad: to clean, but it can be done. Limescale remover, elbow grease, a paint scraper on the really bad bits, & about 4 rolls of kitchen paper . .

WHITE SPIRIT and a scourer...and 1 kitchen roll 10 mins

pimento

What kind of landlord puts cream carpets in a rental property? It's asking for trouble.

clutton_2

Lidls sell a spray called W5 - Limescale remover.... less than £2 - fantastic product for shower screens.... stainless steel sinks, saucepans, jewellery

BitterAndTwisted

Vinegar is a really good lime-scale remover. Very moneysaving

neverdespairgirl

pimento wrote: »

What kind of landlord puts cream carpets in a rental property? It's asking for trouble.

I'd never put cream carpets anywhere. Asking for trouble!

tbs624

Have a look at mydeposits - LL's guide to fair wear and tear link


It doesn't help you with this one OP , but the best course is to invite the LL/LA round a fortnight/ten days before you are due to go and ask them to go round the property with you so that you have the opportunity to sort any issues out before move-out day. Take date stamped photos *of everything* when moving in and when moving out.

Were you asked to pay a fee for this independent inventory clerk? If you were then the LL should treat their findings on the state of the property as sufficient evidence for you both.