Tenancy Agreement - carpets

wendykearney

Am i right in thinking the agency cannot make you get in a profesional carpet cleaning firm in? I have my own carpet cleaner that does a damm sight better job than the last 2 so called professionals did..


When they mentioned i'd need to get carpets cleaned when we leave the property i said that wouldn't be a problem as we have our own cleaner, the agent just said "that's handy" no mention i'd have to pay a firm to do it. There is only one carpet anyway and i've already pointed out its on its last legs, Its Faded and stained. It would be cheaper to replace than get a firm out!

wendy

olly300

Terms in contracts have to be reasonable including tenancy agreements so if you can clean the carpet yourself with your own "professional cleaning equipment" and leave in the state you got it in apart from reasonable wear and tear there is no need to get another person in. In fact I've never paid for a professional cleaner in a rented place simply because I've cleaned it myself before leaving and have never been questioned.

However agencies and some landlords shrove lots of terms in contract which are unfair if tested by a court.

What I've always done is taken a picture of anything that is broken,stained or damaged, dated it and placed with the tenancy agreement for safe keeping. I also ensure I alter the inventory to reflect this before signing it. If you have signed the inventory the only other thing you can do is write a letter to the estate agent sent by recorded delivery or fax stating the carpet was stained, worn etc on the date you moved in. Keep a copy and the receipt with your tenancy agreement until you get your deposit back.

If the agency/landlord then disputes this later when you leave and tries to take money out of your deposit you have enough evidence to threaten them with court and actually win if they don't budge.

wendykearney

Thanks, we haven't signed anything yet, Before i went to agency on monday i just needed to know if the Proffessional cleaner bit was enforceable. Hubby is going to take photo's etc when we get keys on monday then he'll put them on a disc and give a copy to agents to be kept with tenancy files. We'll also keep a copy, we thought this was the best way. This is all new to us so i'm very gratefull for all the advice i've been given

wendy