Rental Checkout, Dogs, Fair Wear and Tear

ajayre

We will be moving out of our rental soon and naturally I want all of the deposit back. Our AST has in writing that our two dogs are allowed.

At the back leading into the garden are two double-glazed doors. Over times the dogs have stood at one side (where the steps are) and scratched the glass. Typically this is because they have been outside when someone has come to the front door, then all of a sudden they are desperate to get back in and see who it is.

The scratches don't cloud the glass and from 10ft away you can't see them, but closer than that and they are obvious.

I've read that you can get scratch repair kits but they tend to make the glass cloudy.

In our position what would you do to minimize expenses? It seems I have two choices:

1. Replace the single double-glazed unit before moving out (no idea of the cost yet).

2. Claim it is fair wear and tear.

The plastic around the glass is also scratched but I believe those can be polished out.

Thanks, Andy

19lottie82

I wouldn't describe that as wear and tear I'm afraid.

It's damage caused by the dogs.

martinsurrey

ajayre wrote: »

We will be moving out of our rental soon and naturally I want all of the deposit back. Our AST has in writing that our two dogs are allowed.

At the back leading into the garden are two double-glazed doors. Over times the dogs have stood at one side (where the steps are) and scratched the glass. Typically this is because they have been outside when someone has come to the front door, then all of a sudden they are desperate to get back in and see who it is.

The scratches don't cloud the glass and from 10ft away you can't see them, but closer than that and they are obvious.

I've read that you can get scratch repair kits but they tend to make the glass cloudy.

In our position what would you do to minimize expenses? It seems I have two choices:

1. Replace the single double-glazed unit before moving out (no idea of the cost yet).

2. Claim it is fair wear and tear.

The plastic around the glass is also scratched but I believe those can be polished out.

Thanks, Andy

people are also allowed in the house, that does not mean that holes punched in walls by those people are fair and tear!

I think option 1 is the only option, and next time control the dogs better (or accept that it'll cost you).

ajayre

OK, fair enough - I accept that. Which leads to my next question:

If you have written permission for dogs is the fair wear and tear clause extended to them? And if so what would examples be?

Andy

harrys_dad

Being allowed to have dogs does not mean that you do not have responsibility for them, or for any damage caused by them.

Werdnal

If your children had scribbled on the walls and and fruniture, that would not have been covered by fair wear and tear, any more than the damage you describe having been caused by your dogs.

Fair wear and tear is normal household use of the property, minor scruffs to paintwork, wear (not dirt) on carpets in high -traffic areas, etc.

The marks on the door are damage, not wear and tear and even if the dogs are specifically allowed on the tenancy, you are still responsible for the repairs or cost of repairs to the door - or LL will have a genuine claim on your deposit for this work.

martinsurrey

ajayre wrote: »

OK, fair enough - I accept that. Which leads to my next question:

If you have written permission for dogs is the fair wear and tear clause extended to them? And if so what would examples be?

Andy

wear and tear is the UNAVOIDABLE wear caused by normal usage.

so for dogs, that includes them walking on the floor (so wear on carpets), and sitting around the house, so maybe expect a bit more scuff marks (but NOT scrach marks)... thats about it.

IMO anyway

ajayre

Thanks for the replies. I understand better what I need to do before leaving now.

Andy

Spikey2

With some people allowing their dogs to leave permanent scratches on glass, its no wonder it is hard for other dog owners to get a rented property. I have 2 dogs and they know not to do that sort of thing. If you saw the dogs jumping on the glass, you should have said 'Down' every time they did it, and trained them out of it.

ajayre

Yes, and all dogs can become robots that once trained are perfect forever and never once screw up in the years spent living in a place. :undecided

Werdnal

ajayre wrote: »

Yes, and all dogs can become robots that once trained are perfect forever and never once screw up in the years spent living in a place. :undecided

Bear in mind that if you are looking for a reference for a new rental from your existing landlord, the subject of damage by your dogs may be mentioned. It is hard enough renting with pets these days, just because of the perceived damage that they may cause, so don't make things even more difficult for yourself!