lodger problem - landlord using deposit.

19lottie82

tight_is_right wrote: »

If I was op there is *no way* I'd be paying to replace that hob, and I can't see any legal way they could make you.

Well the LL has his deposit, so there isn't much they can do about it.

They could try and claim it back in the small claims, but I really doubt they would win.

danshah316

tight_is_right wrote: »

This thread is absurd. There is no way anybody would go out and buy a new hob if they did that to their own, it's such a tiny insignificant mark and is purely superficial. If anybody is chalking it down to experience it should be the homeowner for taking on lodgers and being overly anal about things - you can't have it both ways.

If I was op there is *no way* I'd be paying to replace that hob, and I can't see any legal way they could make you.

You are absolutely spot on, they are being overly anal about things. When I moved in, they were aware that I was only there for a short period while waiting for a house purchase to complete. They were nice when showing us the property, and verbally told me its cool to use their spare room to keep a couple of suitcases in (as my bedroom is quite small).

On the day I moved in, the landlady then told me that I am paying for the room only, and if I wanted to store extra things in a spare room or in the loft, I will have to pay extra. I really look forward to moving out as they are not nice people at all.

Just wondering as they have my deposit, and assuming they dont just take the hob out and give it to me, maybe I could just take something of theirs (laptop for example), and tell them I will return it when I receive either a substantial part of my deposit back or till I get given the hob?

I can't think of any other way to force them to give me back part of my deposit or get given the hob.

I feel the landlord really should have put up a list of rules if they want every little thing their way.

danshah316

hazyjo wrote: »

Ouch. My bf used Cilit Bang (can I say that?!) on my hob and it took off all the markings, everything! Am guessing you used the same or similar. I probably would have done the same - you expect things to be useable on every surface these days, but obviously not. Neither of us will make the same mistake again! Thank god it happened on my old hob, not the one going in this week!

Many people I have spoken to about this say they prob would have done the same thing.

Relocationrelocation

tight_is_right wrote: »

This thread is absurd. There is no way anybody would go out and buy a new hob if they did that to their own, it's such a tiny insignificant mark and is purely superficial. If anybody is chalking it down to experience it should be the homeowner for taking on lodgers and being overly anal about things - you can't have it both ways.

If I was op there is *no way* I'd be paying to replace that hob, and I can't see any legal way they could make you.

Totally agree! I have a shiny new hob that is now covered in marks, have tried lots of different products to remove them with varying degrees of success...it's annoying but there's no way in the world I would replace it for cosmetic reasons.

LL sounds like they shouldn't have lodgers if they want the place to remain like a showhouse.

19lottie82

danshah316 wrote: »

Just wondering as they have my deposit, and assuming they dont just take the hob out and give it to me, maybe I could just take something of theirs (laptop for example), and tell them I will return it when I receive either a substantial part of my deposit back or till I get given the hob?

no no, definitely not. that is theft and may land you a night in the cells!

SternMusik

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).

tight_is_right

danshah316 wrote: »

Just wondering as they have my deposit, and assuming they dont just take the hob out and give it to me, maybe I could just take something of theirs (laptop for example), and tell them I will return it when I receive either a substantial part of my deposit back or till I get given the hob?

Well I think the first thing to do is make it absolutely clear you have no intention of accepting they can use your deposit to buy a new hob. Maybe write a letter? Then try and get them to accept this by explaining how unreasonable they're being.

Stealing from them probably isn't the greatest idea, but if they do go ahead and replace the hob you need some kind of leverage or you're not seeing your deposit again. Tricky spot.

danshah316

19lottie82 wrote: »

no no, definitely not. that is theft and may land you a night in the cells!

i thought as much. i am happy to pay for what damage I have genuinely caused, but i feel i am being taken for a ride and I want justice to be done. Once I move out, I won't really be able to do anything.

surely the landlord is stealing from me by keeping my deposit money? they are refusing to negotiate or listen to reason.

martinsurrey

SternMusik wrote: »

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).

Pristine is different from permanently marked by inappropriate cleaning products.

danshah316 wrote: »

I feel the landlord really should have put up a list of rules if they want every little thing their way.

so the list of rules should be

1) don’t put holes in the walls

2) don’t burn the carpets.

...

...

...

987) don’t use unsuitable cleaning products on appliances.



If you had scratched someone’s car you would pay for it to be repaired, so either find a way to repair your damage, or accept that you are not seeing your deposit again.

by the way I dont agree with the LL, they sound like horrible petty people, but that doesnt make them wrong!

edit,

if you cant find a way to restore it and since the item is almost brand new, the LL is entilted to the cost of returning his property to the condition it was before you arrived, less fair wear and tear.

this was a new item, with negligable fair wear and tear allowance, so the LL could claim the full replacement cost.

virtuallyfree

Not stealing, LL could be a bit more sympathetic, but not a thief.
He prob thinks you are a vandal, sorry but try not to get too upset, it never solves financial problems.