Timing of check-out inspection?

girl_withno_name

Just wondering when the check-out inspection for a rental property should be carried out?

I handed the keys back in last Thursday, tenancy ran until Saturday... unsure when the check-out inspection has/will be carried out, I did request that I be present at this but was told that the check-out clerk would carry out the inspection free from interruptions from either tenant or landlord, although I've since read in the DPS document the following:
"The tenant does not have to be present at the check-out inspection, and mostly they do not attend. However they are entitled to attend if they want to; if they ask to attend the landlord/agent should take reasonable steps to meet this request. It may be helpful to provide evidence to show that the tenant was provided with details of the
check-out appointment and invited to attend, but that they did not do so."

Another quick question - our deposit has status "disputed claim" on DPS, does anyone know what this means?

G_M

The inspection should be carried out as soon after the tenancy ends as practical. The longer it is left, the less it can be relied on (as changes may have ocurred.

If you were not given details of the date/time, then you can mention this in any ensuing dispute - it may add some weight to any claim you make.

"disputed claim" means a dispute has been registered. Have you been advised whether any/all of your depsoit will be returned? Have you requested return of your deposit?

girl_withno_name

I'm not even 100% sure that an 'official' check-out inspection has been carried out - the LL has taken a look around (days before we our tenancy ended) but I dunno whether the check-out clerk will attend and document.

The deposit is with DPS and we have requested the deposit be returned, but haven't heard anything more from them - I just checked on their website and found the status had been changed. Does this indicate that the LA have submitted to dispute all the deposit?

We have been in contact with the LA and there are some issues which they're proposing compensation for (not full amount), which I've been seeking advice about in a different thread (still unsure what to do / where we stand though...) Shouldn't we receive the remainder of the deposit back in the meantime?

Fire_Fox

You should receive the undisputed portion but it's only Tuesday! If you are the person with the carpet cleaning issues be sure to check the date the checkout was completed when you get a copy. Then point out to the DPS that not only were you not permitted to attend checkout, but that the landlord entered the property on x, y and z dates and even did work between you moving out and official handover! Who is to say he didn't cause some of the damage?

girl_withno_name

Yes I know - I wasn't expecting the deposit to be returned immediately, I just can't figure out what the LA have done on their side to switch the status to "disputed claim" and whether there's a specific amount attached to that...

I am that person. Do I have to received a copy of the check-out report? Is this something I would need to request or should it be provided as a matter of course? (That said, I was told I couldn't attend the check-out, so things may not go as expected).

G_M

Oh dear - is this part of another related thread with relevant info on it?

Grrrr.

girl_withno_name

The info in the other thread shouldn't be relevant to my (much simpler and probably more common) question here... just looking for general info

Fire_Fox

G_M wrote: »

Oh dear - is this part of another related thread with relevant info on it?

Grrrr.

Yes it is worth reading, but be fair to the OP I can see why they started a new thread it's not wholly obvious it all follows on and links in unless you are a cynical bar-steward like us!


girl_withno_name: if you do not receive a copy of the checkout report along with the lost of deductions request one in writing. You are entitled to a copy, it's key to your tenancy and your deposit and you should have been party to its preparation.

girl_withno_name

Thanks - we've received, by email, a list of deductions based on the condition of the property days before the end of our tenancy but we haven't received a report (as before, I suspect one hasn't and won't be done) - I'll give them maybe a week and then ask about it. Assuming that the LL is still at the property and carrying out work / painting then I'd query the level of its validity at this point in time anyway.

Fire_Fox

Don't give them a week IMO, you need to crack on and dispute any retention made with DPS.

girl_withno_name

I'm trying not to rush anything while we wait for them to give meter readings to the gas/elec companies - I'm starting to suspect that they intend to wait the full 10 days after the end of the tenancy before doing this, hoping that no dispute is open and to then include anything used by the landlord in the last 5 days of our tenancy (since they won't provide us with the meter reading they'll be submitting).