Advice Please re landlords

l21ynz

Hi there, I was just wondering if there is a set amount of time a landlord can letter you for repairs they have made and charge me for.

What happened was when I moved out the landlord done a inspection gave me a list of things to fix and I done these we then handed the keys in.

I have now received another letter with even more repairs which they had to do when i moved out, which I do not agree with but thats another story lol.

Anyway, is there a set period of time after I handed the keys in that they can charge me for repairs that they never mentioned the first time around.

Thanks in advance.

BitterAndTwisted

The first thing that needs to be answered is whether there was a full, dual-signed inventory at the beginning of your tenancy.

The second is when did your tenancy start?

l21ynz

Hi there, no the only thing that I signed was the lease (tenancy agreement), I signed nothing else.

Tenancy started in December 2005 and ended March 2011

BitterAndTwisted

OK, so the landlord has no documentary evidence that the repairs they say are required are as a result of your tenancy. Have you agreed in writing that you accept that you made whatever damage they are claiming compensation for?

l21ynz

Hi there, no I have not agreed with anything.

I recieved the letter this morning and most of the repairs they are claiming for were already in need of repair when I accepted the tenancy in 2005 (I now know that I should not have accepted the tenancy if these repairs were needing done but I didnt think that at the time) the maintenance manager's words were well you accepted the tenancy so it your responsibility and I did rectify the repairs when he done the inspection and now out of the blue they are charging me for new worktops and things that were not in the property to begin with.

BitterAndTwisted

Do not communicate with anyone other than in writing! Compose a letter to the landlord saying that as there was no dual-signed inventory or any other documentary evidence indicating the condition of the property and its fixtures you categorically deny that you have caused any damage whatsoever. Furthermore you have undertaken some small, necessary repairs yourself during the tenancy because the condition of it was so poor and therefore consider than no deductions from your deposit can be justified. Give them 14 days to return your deposit or you will consider starting proceedings in the Small Claims Court.

Send two copies by First-Class post from two different Post Offices and retain proof of postage. Keep that proof of postage somewhere safe for later.

LandyAndy

Is the OP in Scotland (the location suggests so)? Does that make a difference?

BitterAndTwisted

Och! I hadnae realised that and I dinny ken if there's a difference north of the Border. We need Artful to advise us on this one.

l21ynz

Hi there, sorry taken so long to reply.

Yes im in Scotland sorry for not stating this before.