Landlord trying it on

Derwent1

Hi
So I moved out of my rented house last week. Nothing was picked up on the checkout by the letting agent. I will add they were very thorough. Today I get a call saying the landlord is trying to claim for 3 things.
First is "irresponsible" damage to the kitchen bench. There wasn't a mark on it.

Second, I have removed a paving slab from the rear path that leads to the gate. When I moved in there was no path there so I put 2 paving slabs down to use as stepping stones to the back gate.

Third, the garage door is broke on both sides. A couple of months after moving in I opened the door to get my car out. The door springs snapped with one hitting and scratching the car, the other hitting me in the eye. The garage is very old and the door springs were only held in with 1 screw. I had to attend hospital as the spring had scratched my eyeball.
I reported this to the letting agent straight away along with photos. I also have emails confirming that the landlord wasn't prepared to spend money fixing the garage.

Throughout the 12 months we had a never ending battle getting any repairs done.

What I would like to know is has he got a leg to stand on trying to claim for these? The letting agent told me on check out that he was horrible to deal with and would probably try it on. She also said he would struggle claiming for anything they didn't pick up.

dancingfairy

Get on to whichever scheme has your deposit and claim it back now.
Have you got a copy of the checkout report?
df

G_M

Write back to say you do not accept the deductions and that unless you receive your deposit back in full within 3 working days you will raise a dispute with the deposit scheme.

Do this by letter to the address "for the serving of notices".

Derwent1

Yes I have the checkout report. The letting agent is also backing me. I'm waiting for a call from her as she's waiting to here back from the landlord.

Derwent1

I've also mentioned to the agent that I was reluctant to claim damages for my car at the time as I didn't want to rock the boat. Is that something that could be done now?

sacha28

Derwent1 wrote: »

I've also mentioned to the agent that I was reluctant to claim damages for my car at the time as I didn't want to rock the boat. Is that something that could be done now?

If you have proof then yes. I would be all over this!!!

Tell the LL that you accept his claim for a % of the deposit back but you would like to counter-claim for that amount for the damage to your car and time spent in A&E following the garage door incident, of which he refused to rectify.

Sounds like you may be ok, the LA seems to be on your side so you should be ok (although this idiot shouldn't be allowed to conduct himself like this :mad:)

Derwent1

The letting agent has been on saying they've emailed the landlord stating he's wasting his time. There is nothing on the checkout and they have photographic evidence that there was no damage to the kitchen.

sacha28

Derwent1 wrote: »

The letting agent has been on saying they've emailed the landlord stating he's wasting his time. There is nothing on the checkout and they have photographic evidence that there was no damage to the kitchen.

Sounds like you have a very good LA

Lets hope that's the end of it and you get your deposit back in the next few days!!!

Derwent1

So I've just had a call saying the LL is still claiming the work tops are damaged, although he hasn't provided photos. And now the shower drain is blocked. I reported the faulty shower drain the 2nd day after I moved in and he refused to fix it.
He's also trying to claim for the lock on the garage door, despite the door being completely broke and his refusal to fix it.
The LA has informed me he has moved his Son into the property.

dancingfairy

Do you know how many days you have to request your deposit back? You need to check and make sure you don't run out of time. The letting agent or landlord could be trying to stall you.
You need to get that letter that GM mentioned in post 3 out asap. You need to write to the actual Landlord (not the letting agents) at the address on your tenancy agreement (which may or may not be at the agency).
Then get on with claiming your deposit back through the arbitration scheme.
df

Derwent1

The deposit is in the TDS. I can't find an option to claim it back. The LA says I can't get it until the landlord has agreed any deductions. To be fair to them, they are on my side and are adamant he's trying it on and won't get a penny.
Also I have an appointment with a solicitor to sue him for damages.