lodger problem - landlord using deposit.

silvercar

gazter wrote: »

But you have done the equivalent of putting a very large scratch along the side of their car. I dont think they're being unreasonable.

If you want the car analogy; the landlord invited someone to use their car, who then managed to get a small mark on it and now the landlord wants a new car.

dacouch

Davesnave wrote: »

Insurers would class this as 'cosmetic' and act accordingly, which is quite telling.

They wouldn't say, "Oh yes, that hob's clearly damaged; you may claim a new one."

Assuming the client had Accidental Damage the claim would be covered even if it was "Cosmetic". Although with the vast majority of policies they would exclude a claim under this section due to cleaning or the action of cleaning

chuckley

I must be the only one that thinks the landlord is in the wrong here. £400 for that tiny mark?

they were so anal about u cleaning up immediately after cooking u panicked and used whatever u could.

this is why id never live with a landlord no matter how desperate. u have to do as they say and they can steal ur deposit with zero comeback.

SternMusik

Any news, OP?

katejo

chuckley wrote: »

I must be the only one that thinks the landlord is in the wrong here. £400 for that tiny mark?

they were so anal about u cleaning up immediately after cooking u panicked and used whatever u could.

this is why id never live with a landlord no matter how desperate. u have to do as they say and they can steal ur deposit with zero comeback.

If you look at my comments, you will see that I agree with you. I have a lodger and also a newish kitchen.

danshah316

SternMusik wrote: »

I had a similar problem with stains on my new stainless steel hob (caused by danish oil in my case). Have tried all sorts of (non abrasive) cleaners with no luck. Finally paid out for this http://www.bosch-home.co.uk/store/product/Cleaningproduct/00311140 which is totally overpriced but has actually worked a treat on my hob. No stains/marks left. The wipes work wonders after cleaning with the powder, leaving the surface to look like new. Maybe worth a go for the OP, certainly much cheaper than £380.

Regarding the deposit, I don't think this would stand up in court. The hob continues to function well, and they didn't make it clear that they want it to remain absolutely pristine (which cannot be expected in a kitchen that is actually used for cooking).

UPDATE:

FANTASTIC NEWS
I purchased the Bar Keepers Friend from Robert Dyas last Friday but it didn't work on this stain. The Bosch Product I ordered arrived in the weekend, and I was able to tackle the stain on Monday. I did about 5-6 coatings and slowly the stain got completely removed. Below is a picture after cleaning. HUGE THANK YOU to you for recommending this product to me, worked an absolute charm and saved me a lot of money and stress that I could really avoid at the mo.

I waited until yesterday evening to check with the landlord that he was happy that the stain has been removed and he agreed that he could no longer see it. Just hoping he doesn't charge me for something else now, im being extra careful with everything now. It looks like my house purchase is going to complete at the end of next week so not long now.

Once again, massive thank you to you and to everyone who has helped with advice.

towanda

Nice one! Perhaps I am too cynical but I bet the LLs were seeing pound signs and thinking they were going to get a free hob out of it (unless they really are that bothered about replacing the whole thing for a mark, stranger things have happened).

I'd definitely tread softly around the rest of the place now until you leave, they sound like they will be waiting for you to slip up to the convenient tune of around £400 again...Takeaways might be the best shout! Better yet, eat out in case a ketchup blob means that the whole house needs recarpeting.

SternMusik

Great news, OP! I'm glad the recommendation worked and you won't have to fork out for a new hob. As an added bonus you now have a great cleaning product at hand for any shiny stainless steel surfaces in you new home.

Hope your house move goes well.

danshah316

SternMusik wrote: »

Great news, OP! I'm glad the recommendation worked and you won't have to fork out for a new hob. As an added bonus you now have a great cleaning product at hand for any shiny stainless steel surfaces in you new home.

Hope your house move goes well.

Thank you once again for the kind words and the great recommendation. True hero!!!!