Tenant left house like a tip

GoneToPot · 21 June 2011 at 7:09PM

Our tenant of 2 1/5 years just moved out of our 2-bedroom house and left it like a tip. Damaged and missing furniture, filth, ruined carpets and paintwork and the garden like a wilderness.
We had let it through a lettings agency - fully managed - and only renewed the tenents contact based on the agencies inspection reports. These reports stated everything was in 'good condition' until May this year when they reported 'average condition'. However 5 weeks later when the tenant moved out (of their own choice) we entered the propoerty for the first time in 2 1/2 years to find it in a deplorable condition.
We intend to withhold the tenants bond but is there any way we can claim the additional repair/cleaning costs from the letting agency? We woud not have renewed the tenant's contract but for the favourable reports we received from them. Any advice appreciated.

BitterAndTwisted · 21 June 2011 at 7:11PM

I think just the one thread about this is sufficient, don't you?

chris_m · 21 June 2011 at 8:01PM

It could have been a slow connection or a glitch in the transmission which gave the OP the impression that the post hadn't made it through. It does happen occasionally.

GoneToPot · 23 June 2011 at 1:10PM

Thanks a lot for that. I think this is such a useful forum, but I need to work out my way around it first ... !

mj12_2 · 23 June 2011 at 2:04PM

I think to claim money from the management agency you would have to prove that their reports were innaccurate when they made them - which would probably be rather hard unless they have photos you can get hold of which contradict what they reported to you. Do you have landlords insurance you can claim on? That way if you let the insurance company know about your concerns they can seek a recovery from the management agency if they so choose and at no extra cost to you. Another remedy may be civil court action against the tenant if you know where to serve the papers on them?