decorate rented flat or not?

lindseyh2

Hi

I am due to move out of my rented flat in a few weeks into first home, I have been here 3 years and have been a good tenant. The flat is about 20 years old and has not been maintained as such ie old carpets and kitchen, bathroom etc, skirting etc.

The flat was not newly painted when I moved in so paintwork is looking rather old and dirty now after 3 years, I have tried to keep clean but it does look pretty worn after cleaning etc as sold old!, so am doing my best!, could the landlord charge me for re-decoration or would this be fair wear and tear, everything is ok no damage really, just ageing a bit, but I assume this isnt my fault, the paint has peeled off a bit where I tried to clean it, but if I patch it, it will look a lot worse, Im not too worried about my deposit, but have a lot on my plate at mo, so dont want to waste time repainting for no benefit? x

Curley

I'm sure it'll be based on wear & tear. Did you sign an inventory when you moved in?

lindseyh2

Thank you yes I did, I cant remember what I noted though about the paint work it is hard to remember, it just is so old, I know the flat has not been repainted in at least 6 years, due to previous tenant being in it for 3 years prior to my three years, I will just clean the walls and paintwork as best I can and then advise letting agents that it needs repainting, then up to them, im happy to let them do it whilst I am still in it as will be in new house for about 1 and half weeks as well has renting, so thats not a problem, i just wanted to check they cannot make me repaint it, Im not very good at painting either! xx

Headintheclouds_3

I wouldn't bother repainting - just give any smudgy fingerprints on walls and doors a good rub down, ensure the carpets are clean and cupboards washed and that's it.

lindseyh2

Thank you

I will do that, I have replaced manky old lampshades and things for them, which they reallly appreciated (funnily enough) and have replaced curtains (though have kept old and had them cleaned) they were disgusting very seventies!, but flat is looking a bit oldish now, will just clean carpets and do cleaning as best as possible and will see what happens, I dont agree with leaving flats dirty, but I do think if landlords want to rent out properties and demand everything under the sun i.e no smoking no pets no decorating, they have to be prepared occasionally to pay out for upkeep! xxx

Thanks again