Disagree with TDS

evanjonesaber

Tjrw1985 wrote: »

Absolute bull!!!

I successfully challenged a check out inventory as they used one of their "best mates" to do this. How did we find out, "social media" as the check out clerk had been recommending the agency to her friends etc.

I have no time of day for some rogue lettings agents.

Anyway, back on point, by not returning the inventory they are deemed to have accepted it.

Not a lot of info in the OP though - What are they trying to deduct from you? and what for?

Not absolute bull at all so grow up.

Idiot.

Tjrw1985

An un-regulated industry with far too many cowboys. I am afraid.

So, in some cases that is Bull. I am not saying you do it at all, but there are ones that do.

As long as you had a professional clean carried out, and have a receipt for the work they did, then the LL will have no chance proving this. As if there was time between clean and check out, they will allow slight dust etc.

Angelicdevil

It's a bit late now, in this instance, but perhaps a lesson for your next rental:

When you move in, take detailed, dated photos of the condition of the property. Email these to yourself and if necessary (due to discrepancies with the inventory) email them to the LA, send a written letter detailing discrepancies and an amended (by you) and signed inventory back. Keep copies.
On exit take detailed, dated photos.

= a$$es covered.

If I were you in this instance, I'd definitely dispute the cleaning for sure.

Do you have any documented evidence of all the bits you tried to get sorted out at the beginning of the tenancy? These may help your argument.

Mooneyd

Our new LL took us around the property, we agreed the check in and both parties signed the document. How its supposed to be done.

I have all the emails detailing all the issues we had when we moved in. I suspect there will be an awkward conversation between the LL and LA as to why we never signed the check in. Also for photos to be accepted by the ICE they should be signed by both parties, if they aren't then a date stamp should be added to the picture (but they lose weighting).

dimbo61

How can you sign photos?
How many people print off the photos? Cost of good quality prints!!!
With modern digital cameras and smartphones you can put them on Laptops and zoom in to show detail.
We had a video inventory done last year with an Independent Inventory Firm which I then emailed the link to my tenants, we also provided a printed copy which the tenants checked and pointed out any damage or marks before signing and returning.
No dispute at the end of the tenancy

Mooneyd

dimbo61 wrote: »

How can you sign photos?
How many people print off the photos?

You print it out on a page, turn the page over, write your name on the white bit, ask the LL to write their name on the white bit. Job Done!

No idea! A million zillion trillion kahillion? Hard to say.

Tjrw1985

Mooneyd - They do not have to be signed by both parties for ICE, so I have no idea where you got that from. AS let's be honest, if there was a photo that showed damage would you sign it?

Just make sure you have all the details you need that place doubt on the LL's claim. He has to prove you did it. You don't have to prove you didn't.

Make sure the receipt from the cleaning company is dated. and there cleaning charge won't hold much weight.

To be honest this sounds like a rogue LA trying to make money as opposed to a LL trying to claim money.

Mooneyd

Tjrw1985 wrote: »

Mooneyd - They do not have to be signed by both parties for ICE, so I have no idea where you got that from. AS let's be honest, if there was a photo that showed damage would you sign it?

Straight out of the TDS guidebook (link in 2nd/3rd post)

"Photographic evidence can be used to support, or defend a claim against a deposit. Only photos that are relevant should be submitted. Ideally, ‘before and after’ photos should be submitted with a clear narrative as to what the photo is showing e.g. colours, item description, marks on surfaces etc. Do not assume that the adjudicator is seeing the same image as you – draw the adjudicator to the part of the photo you want him to focus on. Photos should, ideally, be dated and signed by both parties, or alternatively digitally dated (preferably visible on the photograph). Photographs need to be of a good quality to show clearly the condition of the property at any given time. Photographs are useful as supporting evidence in addition to a check - out inspection"

I agree with your last comment. I think its the agents. The contractors used to quote for 'repairs' etc work closely with this agency. They've added admin work fees on top of the labour fees.