Unfair Cleaning Bill

newbie_new

Hi everyone,

I've recently moved flat and did my absolute best to clean the place before leaving because I know how picky my estate agents are as I've rented with them before. I even had the windows professionally cleaned inside and out which cost me £45.

After the inspection, I was under the impression that only the oven and extractor fans needed extra cleaning. Which I was fine with (I did not have industrial cleaning products for oven but it was cleaned!).

When the cleaning bill came, I was charged £100, for 3 people and 6 hours work!!! I am under the impression that my estate agents send out these cleaners to do what they want. As its not their money, they aren't that bothered how much is taken.

All the items listed were all cleaned thoroughly by myself.

I am so angry with them. It is not fair to use other people's money like that.

Already complained and they won't do anything about it.

Do I have any rights?

Thank you.

newbie_new

angrypirate

Was there an inventory produced and signed at the inspection listing that only the extractor fan and oven needed cleaning? Was there an inventory produced at all?

newbie_new

Yes there was an inventory - for items in the flat rather than cleaning. The woman who did the inspection only checks this rather than cleaning issues. Although she did note that we cleaned windows. There was no paperwork for us after the inspection. We did come out thinking that only the oven and extractor fans needed doing and certainly didn't expect a £100 bill...

BitterAndTwisted

Challenge why it was deemed necessary to employ three people for two hours each to clean one oven and an extractor-fan. And put it in writing.

angrypirate

In that case go down the TDS arbitration process for your full amount. Everything needs to be written and signed (LL and LA should be the ones to prepare these) and if its not, then they will find in the tenants favour

newbie_new

Do these operate in Scotland?

Everything is in writing.

angrypirate

No - its different. Dont know the details. Sorry

newbie_new

Thanks anyway. If anyone knows, please help. Thank you.

BitterAndTwisted

There are no deposit-protection schemes in Scottishland. Contest the deposit-deduction and do it in writing. Tell them that you are not satisfied that £100 charge for what probably would be an hour's worth of work is justified.

crunchyblanket

This happened to me before. I asked for copies of all paperwork pertaining to any cleaning they had to do, and what specifically those people were asked to clean. It seems quite unusual for them not to provide you with an inventory re: the condition of the flat. I could be wrong, but I thought this was a requirement?

tbs624

I don't understand why the LL would need to employ 3 cleaners for the two jobs but many of the specialist oven cleaning firms charge around 50-60 quid to clean just the inside of an oven with other supplements for the rest of a cooker/extractor fans so 100 quid may not be that far beyond reasonable.

newbie_new wrote: »

Yes there was an inventory - for items in the flat rather than cleaning. The woman who did the inspection only checks this rather than cleaning issues. Although she did note that we cleaned windows. There was no paperwork for us after the inspection. We did come out thinking that only the oven and extractor fans needed doing and certainly didn't expect a £100 bill...

My bolding. However, if the original inventory does not clearly describe the state of cleanliness of the oven,and the extractor fan, then your LL may struggle to adequately demonstrate that you have left these items in a dirtier state than when you moved in. Were the items new ( and therefore shiny and clean) at the start of the tenancy?

If you disagree with the proposed deductions you will need to write and say so, and if the LL still won't budge your only option is to proceed to the Sheriff Court.