Do tenants have the right to a copy of the checkout inventory?

cord123

Hi,

We moved out of our house over a month ago... it has been an ongoing saga (many post on here re this!)...
Anyway, as predicted our land'lady' (use the term loosely!) is trying to claim money from our deposit...

We are being told by our letting agents that we arent allowed a copy of the check out inventory unless the landlady agrees... is this true? Surely it is for both our prtoection so we both should recieve a copy?

We have evidence of things she is claiming ie. dry cleaning of curtains - this was doen 4 days before leaving property but she says that she has to now clean 4 days of dirt off and she is also claiming £200. This was orignally for proffessional cleaning of the whole house including the oven and carpets... we showed her the amendment to the inventory where we said the oven was filthy when moving in and she has now changed this £200 claim to just the carpets... i says carpets.. the whole house is wooden floor except the stairs! haha!

BitterAndTwisted

Normally, you would want to see the specific items she is claiming for. Sight of the check-out inventory wouldn't necessarily tell you anything which her itemised list wouldn't.

Have you got onto the deposit scheme's website to claim the whole of your deposit back yet?

cord123

Yep, we have been sent a letter from them to submit evidence back to them regarding what she is claiming but I thought the checkout inventory would be our evidence on the cleanliness?

BitterAndTwisted

You don't need any evidence. The onus of proof lies with the landlord.

If you think any of the proposed deductions are unreasonable then you raise a dispute with the scheme's artbitrators. They will be looking at the evidence and any invoices/quotes etcetera.

A tenant's deposit is not the equivalent of a new-for-old insurance policy or some fantasy improvement budget.

cord123

Ok great :-) That has put me at ease.... It annoys me cause the property is now empty as they aren't paying the mortgage and want it repossesed so this is just a money making exercise! Such a waste of everyones time!

Tjrw1985

Were you present at the check out?
Have you made a request in writing for the check out inventory?
Did you have a check in inventory?
Have you received a list of what deductions they wish to make?

I have been through this and will help any way I can.

Refusal to supply what you need, is normally a money making exercise from the Letting Agent.