End of tenancy, check out and deposit

CP26

I am making my preparations to leave my current rental flat and move into a different property at the start of March.

The agent is coming to do an inspection on Saturday so this will give me a good indication of anything they might have an issue with. I've kept the property in great condition but as this is the first property I've rented I have a couple of questions about the check out process.

1) The inventory was done with the landlord, myself and the agent present. It is literally a list of items and a blanket statement of "the property was found to be in good condition throughout and clean."

Does the style of the inventory give them much scope to challenge anything? I foolishly didn't take pictures and I'm not sure if they did.

2) The tenancy has a clause about repairing damaged items including "any contents which are damaged and any components of gas, electrical, heating or other appliances which become defective due to misuse"

There is a crack down one of the freezer drawer fronts - I've been careful and genuinely can't remember causing it.

Is it worth getting the drawer replaced...they only cost £10? If I don't, can the landlord try to claim on the deposit? If they did make a claim could they charge for installing the drawer front too? (It's an easy job but they aren't local so wouldn't be able to do it themselves)

3) There is a cleaning clause saying "the tenant will have all carpets, curtains, linen, blankets, counter panes and upholstery in the property professionally cleaned"

The flat is furnished but has Venetian blinds so only the carpets, 2 cushions and the fabric sofa apply.

Do I have to abide by this, or does it fall into the unfair terms category? I think the landlords mum did the original cleaning as he mentioned her efforts on the oven when I moved in and it doesn't state on the inventory that the flat was of a 'professionally clean' standard.

Any tips?

Guest101

Part 3 is definitely unenforceable.

I'd prob replace the drawer for a tenner too

KatieDee

Unfortunately (or fortunately, if you're a landlord!) the inventory is always a bit of a nightmare. I cannot stress enough the importance of going through an inventory when you first receive it and noting down every little issue. I know it's tempting to just get stuck in and settle down but it's definitely worth it. That said, I don't think I did it on my last house so moving on...

A lot of tenancy agreements state that you should have the property cleaned "to a professional standard" which in my experience, just means extra clean! No dust, no marks on the carpet and no offensive smells in the property.

With the fridge, I don't think there's any way of knowing until the landlord/agent sees it. In my previous property there was a mark on the stair carpet that I was terrified about and mentioned it numerous times to them, but in the end they didn't even mention it to me. Depending on the cost of the fridge, it might not even be worth them chasing the money to fix the mark!

I would wait until the agent has completed the checks and just ask him/her if they can see any major issues, stating that you'd like to leave the property in excellent condition. If they've noticed anything, they should give you an idea of what they want doing and if they don't, you could always argue that you gave them the option to identify issues so you could fix them.

It also depends entirely on your landlords. I've been with some who have insanely high standards (rightfully so, it is their house!) and some that wouldn't notice if the building had fallen down.

Ps - remember when you move into your next property to be extra vigilant on the inventory, that way you won't have to panic on checkout ;-)

CP26

Thanks for the replies.

The crack is down the front of the freezer drawer...they'll only notice if they open the freezer on Saturday or at check out, or if I actually point it out.

The landlord won't be present at the actual check out so he'll go off whatever the agent tells him. He's a reluctant landlord (only did it as he can't sell the place) and I don't think he has (or wants) a great understanding of it all. That said, if the agent tells him to pursue something he probably will give it a go.

I will be extra vigilant in the next property!

Kynthia

As long as you leave the property in the same condition you found it, less fair wear and tear, then you should be fine. Damage and dirt aren't wear and tear. So I'd replace the cracked freezer drawer as it wasn't cracked at the start and it's cheaper for you to do it. Regarding cleaning, it doesn't need to be done by a professional as long as it's to the same standard as when you moved in. So don't forget to dust the skirting boards and blinds, and if necessary hire a Rug Doctor for the carpets.

Reue

KatieDee wrote: »

A lot of tenancy agreements state that you should have the property cleaned "to a professional standard" which in my experience, just means extra clean! No dust, no marks on the carpet and no offensive smells in the property.

As someone has previously said, thats unenforceable.

If there were dust, marks on the carpet and an offensive smell when the tenant first moved in.. they are allowed to move out with these still there.

dimbo61

We broke the freezer drawer and it cost £50 with free delivery for a new one.
£10 for a new freezer drawer front is excellent value.
Poor Inventory means the 'LL/LA cannot prove any damage unless you have burnt a hole in the carpet, pulled the door off the shower cubicle, etc
Did the 'LL/LA protect the deposit and give you the details + prescribed Information ?
Claim the deposit back the day you move out ! Contact the DPS to get your money back

CP26

Thanks everyone.

Deposit all protected so no issues on that front.

The carpets are cleaner than when I moved in. His ex gf had spilt make up in places but a bit of 1001 removed the marks easily - I do have some photos that I took about a week after I moved in as I'd noticed a few spots here and there. 99% of them are gone now though through my efforts.

I'm slightly loathe to replace the drawer front as I don't remember breaking it so there is a chance it was there from the start. If they were to dispute I'd consider backing down for the £10 but wouldn't want to get stung for fitting fees. Have a few weeks before I move so will see how Saturday goes to see what type of agent I may be dealing with.