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Is asking tenant to steam clean carpets reasonable?
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retroguy
Posts: 17 Forumite
I'm moving back from overseas and so have had to ask the LA to give my tenant notice.
The property was freshly decorated, in well maintained condition, including a new kitchen and bathroom, and was left to a very high standard of cleanliness, including having the carpets and windows professionally cleaned.
While the property has been let I've had reports from the LA that the tenant has a few cleaning issues. I also heard some months ago from neighbours that a dog being kept at the property was getting into their garden. I notified the LA who were due to inspect anyway and was assured there seemed to be no evidence of a dog. LA raised it with the tenant several times but never heard back and the neighbours have not mentioned any problems since.
On letting the property I mentioned to LA that I would consider pets by negotiation with a clause stipulating professionally steam cleaned carpets at end of tenancy. The tenant stated no pets on the tenancy agreement, so nothing was negotiated. When I informed LA of dog issue they stated pets would be in breach of agreement. Not wanting to be awkward, I told LA that as discussed previously, I didn't necessarily have a problem with pets, but when a dog is present at the property to keep the garden gate closed to prevent issues with neighbours, and that I would insist on steam cleaning carpets if pets were kept at the property. It was confirmed independently with another neighbour that the dog was definitely at the property for at least around a month.
I suggested to LA that at the end of the tenancy the property is professionally cleaned, including carpets and windows. The LA has come back to say I can't insist the carpets are steam cleaned, but they'll inspect on the final day of the tenancy and will expect the property to be in the same state as when tenant moved in (subject to fair wear and tear).
I don't want to be unreasonable but I wouldn't have agreed to pets without stipulating a steam cleaning clause. Is it reasonable to insist on this?
The property was freshly decorated, in well maintained condition, including a new kitchen and bathroom, and was left to a very high standard of cleanliness, including having the carpets and windows professionally cleaned.
While the property has been let I've had reports from the LA that the tenant has a few cleaning issues. I also heard some months ago from neighbours that a dog being kept at the property was getting into their garden. I notified the LA who were due to inspect anyway and was assured there seemed to be no evidence of a dog. LA raised it with the tenant several times but never heard back and the neighbours have not mentioned any problems since.
On letting the property I mentioned to LA that I would consider pets by negotiation with a clause stipulating professionally steam cleaned carpets at end of tenancy. The tenant stated no pets on the tenancy agreement, so nothing was negotiated. When I informed LA of dog issue they stated pets would be in breach of agreement. Not wanting to be awkward, I told LA that as discussed previously, I didn't necessarily have a problem with pets, but when a dog is present at the property to keep the garden gate closed to prevent issues with neighbours, and that I would insist on steam cleaning carpets if pets were kept at the property. It was confirmed independently with another neighbour that the dog was definitely at the property for at least around a month.
I suggested to LA that at the end of the tenancy the property is professionally cleaned, including carpets and windows. The LA has come back to say I can't insist the carpets are steam cleaned, but they'll inspect on the final day of the tenancy and will expect the property to be in the same state as when tenant moved in (subject to fair wear and tear).
I don't want to be unreasonable but I wouldn't have agreed to pets without stipulating a steam cleaning clause. Is it reasonable to insist on this?
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Comments
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Do you want to go to court to prove a dog was kept? You may not have 4 legs to stand on.
Just insist that fresh and clean carpets are left in place.0 -
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Could you be present at check out? That way you can see if the carpet is full of dog hair and has a doggy smell. If there is dog hair, take photos.0
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Is there a dual-signed inventory from the start of the tenancy detailing the condition of the property?0
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To be honest, if it was just a single complaint about a dog from the neighbour I'd imagine it was just that they had some friends over for an evening who have a dog.
They do tend to go a bit wild when they're in a new garden for the first time.
How long have the tenants been in the property for? Fair wear and tear of course apply's and age of the carpets has to be taken into consideration, as you're implying it was thoroughly cleaned, but was not a new carpet.
Also double check that the notice the agency served was valid, that's often an issue for landlords when they do come to evict.
Also bare in mind that whilst a valid S21 may have have served, it's only a notice to begin court action to evict, not an actual eviction order so it may well take more than the 2 months you desire as the tenants are under no legal obligation to leave until the court bailiffs are involved, which can take many many months.*Assuming you're in England or Wales.0 -
ConfusedofYorkshire wrote: »Could you be present at check out? That way you can see if the carpet is full of dog hair and has a doggy smell. If there is dog hair, take photos.
This is the way to do it.
If there is no trace of dog left, a steam clean would be too much. If you can't tell a dog was ever there, you can't justify extra cleaning. The tenants will have satisfied their obligations in that respect.
If there is dog residue at check out and you can evidence this, you are then well within your rights to charge the tenants the cost of getting rid.0 -
Could you have the carpets professionally cleaned (£35 a room) whilst the property is empty?
and...
Could you class this as an Allowable Deduction on your Tax Return?0 -
You can insist on carpets being returned in the same condition minus fair wear and tear.
If it isn't, and steam cleaning is necessary for that, then you can deduct the cost of cleaning from the bond, assuming everything is arranged properly.
If it is clean, then it is irrelevant whether it was steam cleaned or cleaned by the magic fairies, there are no damages to claim.
You are making the mistake of focusing on the process. The only thing you have a 'right' to is the outcome.0
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