small damage to door - astronomical deduction from deposit. Please help!

ajm410

Hi all,

I’ve just moved out of a property I rented with my girlfriend. Accidentally, I caused a small dent in one of the doors when moving, and my old LL is looking to take the money out of my deposit before returning it.

I’m more than happy to pay for the damage and have admitted that it was my fault. However, the amount that she wants seems ridiculous! There is the door fee, the labour costs, AND fitting costs – all of which are way more than I ever anticipated!?!?!

It wouldn’t surprise me if the door hadn’t even been replaced, as it was only a small dent to one door in what was a rather dishevelled looking flat in the first place. So I want proof that these amounts have been paid and that the LL isn’t just making them up.

Can anyone please suggest what types of proof I can ask for, other than the obvious thing, being receipts?

Thanks in advance!!!

sooz

What type of door is it? And what is the finish on it, painted, wax, varnish, bare wood etc?

Be honest, how bad is this 'small dent'? Is there a hole in the door ?

If the door is painted, I don't see any reason why it can't be repaired rather than replaced. I've had a door repaired where someone had punched a hole in one of the panels. Of course, this would have been much more difficult if the door was not painted.

princeofpounds

are you in england?

is the deposit protected?

was there an inventory or other evidence of condition when going in and going out?

Gwhiz

I do not believe they can ask for money for a completely new door - only for the damage which will be a small deduction. Also, the cost of a new door needs to be spread over it's life anyway so assume the door was originally £500 and you write it down over 5 years it means that after 3 years it would only be "worth" £200 so that would be all the LL could claim.

I'm sure someone will come along with a more detailed answer soon.

Don't forget that with your deposit in a protection scheme (I assume it is) the LL has to get permission to make deductions, he cannot simply take the money,

poppysarah

The only time a dint should mean a new door is if it's made out of polystyrene.

Which door is it?

Unless you've took a hammer to it it's most likely it's a tiny mark.
Did you get photos of it?

£30 for fitting. £40 for new door.

ajm410

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the quick replies.

The door was a 3/4 size cupboard one below the stairwell. It was wood and painted over I think - but you wouldn't know it was wood to look at it, you know - all smooth and painted over.

It is in the UK yea. LL is saying that they have already had it fixed, and have given me the figure they say it cost, approx £130 for the door, £50 labour and £15 fitting. But I don't believe them unfortunately.

P.s the dent was the size of a finger - tops!


Don't know what to say in response to it...?

poppysarah

Sand, Woodfiller, sand and paint.
You could have done it yourself maybe.

sooz

You've already been asked, but what scheme is your deposit in?

maninthestreet

ajm410 wrote: »

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the quick replies.

The door was a 3/4 size cupboard one below the stairwell. It was wood and painted over I think - but you wouldn't know it was wood to look at it, you know - all smooth and painted over.

It is in the UK yea. LL is saying that they have already had it fixed, and have given me the figure they say it cost, approx £130 for the door, £50 labour and £15 fitting. But I don't believe them unfortunately.

P.s the dent was the size of a finger - tops!

Don't know what to say in response to it...?

Sounds like the door has been replaced.

westlondonbuyer

The landlord may well have a 'pet' joiner so you may find the receipts are 'fudged' between them. As posters above have advised, deductions have to be "reasonable" and, providing your deposit is protected you can argue they were not reasonable.

Next time, sort out damage yourself as far as possible.

princeofpounds

you should answer my questions to get a full answer.