Rental final inspection

Daxx

Hi,

About to hand the keys back on my first rented flat.

So far my letting agents have been brilliant all the way through the tenancy, and in return I have done my best to be available to show people around since I have handed in my notice. (which has now been successful as they have tenants moving in a week after I leave).

My only concern is the final inspection and getting the deposit back. There is no reason for any issues as the house is cleaner than when I moved in and the letting agent seems very reasonable but after reading so many horror stories regarding the final inspection I am getting nervous.

The house is cleaner than when I moved in with the exception of 2 watermarks on the bathroom ceiling caused by a leak in the flat above. The letting agent were notified of the leak and sorted it but never 'fixed' the aesthetics in the room. This hasn't been an issue for me but my first query is whether to attempt to paint over them (there is paint left from the previous tenant) so not to cause a sticking point with the deposit, even though I know that is no conceivable way they could say I have caused watermarks on the ceiling.

Also I have arranged to be present at the final inspection but is it worth still taking photos with a proof of date even though I should get the decision regarding my deposit before I hand back the keys just to have a record of proof of the flat state?

Thank you

Angelicdevil

With regards to the leak, do you have any written evidence for the circumstances? It'll probably be ok, but have it to hand just in case.

Take lots of detailed, datetime stamped pictures for your evidence, just in case they turn round and try to claim you left the place in a mess.

Good luck

Daxx

No detailed written evidence no, but I am thinking for the sake of getting my paintbrush out it might be worth painting it. worst case the paint looks cleaner than the rest and I have to paint the bathroom but thats not a massive job.

I am sure I am worrying for no reason. I have no reason to think that the letting agent would start to be unreasonable now, especially as I have tried to help them as much as possible regarding new tenants.

Herbalus

The horror stories are the ones that get reported. When I left my last house, the person responsible for cleaning (i was out of the country) was the most disorganised person in the house, and I feared the worst.

I got a letter a few weeks later saying the house was the cleanest house that he's ever seen from students and deposit wouldn't be a problem. To this day I'm still not sure whether he's deluded or my friend actually did a good job....

Duskylady

I'd say not to worry so much, on here are bound to bethe worst case scenarios. I've rented 5 houses and always had the deposit back no problem. Take photos and you should be fine