We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.
This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING: Hello Forumites! In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place for our users, discussions around non-MoneySaving matters are not permitted per the Forum rules. While we understand that mentioning house prices may sometimes be relevant to a user's specific MoneySaving situation, we ask that you please avoid veering into broad, general debates about the market, the economy and politics, as these can unfortunately lead to abusive or hateful behaviour. Threads that are found to have derailed into wider discussions may be removed. Users who repeatedly disregard this may have their Forum account banned. Please also avoid posting personally identifiable information, including links to your own online property listing which may reveal your address. Thank you for your understanding.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
The Forum now has a brand new text editor, adding a bunch of handy features to use when creating posts. Read more in our how-to guide
HELP! Invoice from Lettering Agent after I get deposit back.
Kittykat85
Posts: 47 Forumite
Hi all,
On 15th February a curtain pole fell down in the house I rented. As I was due to move out I phoned the letting agent who stated that it wouldn’t be a problem. He stated that for something like that he could get the Landlady’s father to do it or send his handyman round and charge me £10.
On 18th February I moved out (Tenancy ended 1st March)
On 21st February I handed back the keys to the Letting Agent.
Various dates – I made phone calls enq about progress of inspection and deposits. Letting agent stated house was clean but Landlady had some issues inc. state of decor (which was rubbish when I moved in and looking tired after another 2 years wear and tear) and that Landlady’s father was sorting out the curtain pole.
On 2nd March Deposit was returned -£48 for damage to a plug socket.
Today (14th March) I received an invoice for £48 for repair of curtain pole by a professional company dated 3rd March. I have not been contacted by the letting agent to negotiate this or even informed the bill was on its way. I believe they may have invoiced me as house is not re-let yet despite me giving more than 7 weeks notice when only 1 month was required.
I DO NOT HAVE £48 , all my money was spoken for this month. I do not agree with the charge either. I have no objection to paying the original £10 agreed although don't agree with the way they went about it.
Legally where do I stand and what is the best tactic to take re: contact with Letting Agent?
On 15th February a curtain pole fell down in the house I rented. As I was due to move out I phoned the letting agent who stated that it wouldn’t be a problem. He stated that for something like that he could get the Landlady’s father to do it or send his handyman round and charge me £10.
On 18th February I moved out (Tenancy ended 1st March)
On 21st February I handed back the keys to the Letting Agent.
Various dates – I made phone calls enq about progress of inspection and deposits. Letting agent stated house was clean but Landlady had some issues inc. state of decor (which was rubbish when I moved in and looking tired after another 2 years wear and tear) and that Landlady’s father was sorting out the curtain pole.
On 2nd March Deposit was returned -£48 for damage to a plug socket.
Today (14th March) I received an invoice for £48 for repair of curtain pole by a professional company dated 3rd March. I have not been contacted by the letting agent to negotiate this or even informed the bill was on its way. I believe they may have invoiced me as house is not re-let yet despite me giving more than 7 weeks notice when only 1 month was required.
I DO NOT HAVE £48 , all my money was spoken for this month. I do not agree with the charge either. I have no objection to paying the original £10 agreed although don't agree with the way they went about it.
Legally where do I stand and what is the best tactic to take re: contact with Letting Agent?
0
Comments
-
Did you say you got your deposit back already? They should have disputed the amount before. Why chase you now?
I'm not an expert but if you already have your deposit back I don't think there's a lot they can do.0 -
Yep, deposit was paid direct into my account on 2nd of March. I didn't think hey had a leg to stand on.
I get so worried about things like this. Do you think it would be best if I write to them stating that I am only willing to pay the £10 previously discussed? That way I have a record (not that I can see them going to Small Claims Court for £48)0 -
The consequence of writing will be that you effectively admit to the damage in writing. Whereupon £48 becomes a not unreasonable cost to fix the damage, and the effort of taking it to the small claims court becomes worthwhile, because your admission makes a win for them very likely. And you will have the costs to pay too.Kittykat85 wrote: »Do you think it would be best if I write to them stating that I am only willing to pay the £10 previously discussed? That way I have a record (not that I can see them going to Small Claims Court for £48)Hi, we’ve had to remove your signature. If you’re not sure why please read the forum rules or email the forum team if you’re still unsure - MSE ForumTeam0 -
I wouldn't pay them anything yet. I'd call Shelter or similiar for advice.0
-
Tenancy has ended and deposit returned. Just ignore them.0
-
Thinking on this some more, it depends on why the curtain pole fell down. If it was not fixed up well enough for ordinary use, then you should not pay £48 or even £10, It is the Landlord's responsibility.
If this is the case, the letter to be written should say that it was not adequately fixed in the first place. Offering £10 only makes a letter into an admission, which makes it easier to claim £48 from you.Hi, we’ve had to remove your signature. If you’re not sure why please read the forum rules or email the forum team if you’re still unsure - MSE ForumTeam0 -
I've spoken legal advice line (right management - provided through work) and they basically laughed and said they are trying their luck since I already have my deposit back. I don't really want to contact them as I'm a weakling on the phone ha ha. Might take my time tonight and plan a letter. My main point will be I already have the deposit and I did not authorise or agree to the work.
I don't think it will go away if I ignore it.0 -
Your proposed letter isn't right. Your main points are not whether you've already got your deposit back, or you didn't agree to the work. They can only seek a deduction (or sue you in the small claims court) if they can prove that you caused the damage through your negligence / conduct. Your main point is that you dispute that you are legally responsible for the damage.0
-
I would agree with DVS and Yorkie, if you write anything then follow DVS advice. However, there must be a risk that by writing the wrong thing you inadvertently make the situation worse.
If you are not 100% sure what you are doing then I would still suggest do nothing. At the value stated it will eventually go away.0 -
But they know the curtain pole fell down while I was there. As I stated, I phoned and told them!0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 354.1K Banking & Borrowing
- 254.3K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 455.3K Spending & Discounts
- 247.1K Work, Benefits & Business
- 603.7K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 178.3K Life & Family
- 261.3K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.7K Read-Only Boards