End of tenancy - repair costs

Modgepodge

We recently moved out out of a property we have lived in for 20 months. Upon leaving, we paid for the windows, oven, carpets and hob to be professionally cleaned, the carpets we had to as it was in our contract, the hob/oven and windows was just to save ourselves some work and an inevitable dispute when it wasn't done to a high enough standard. The rest of the place, including fridge, freezer cupboards, bathroom etc etc was all cleaned by us, not to a professional standard perhaps but to a perfectly acceptable standard that anyone would be happy to live with.

On check out, which we were not invited to be present for, the estate agent commented that most places needed cleaning (including the hob, which was cleaned professionally and they had the receipt to prove it!) I disagree. I think it was perfectly clean. However, they are now saying we may have to pay for many rooms to be cleaned professionally. Can they do this?

They have also commented on the many splash marks on the paintwork in the kitchen - there is no tiling behind he cooker, and the wall is not wipe clean so it was impossible to clean these off. Is this fair wear and year, after almost 3 years? The only way to avoid would be for us not to cook.

Finally, they want us to pay for 2 new bar stools and a new bin. Our cat did scratch the stools up a bit so it's fair we should contribute, but they weren't brand new when we moved in; the inventory notes one had a small tear in it. Likewise the bin was noted as being in 'used' condition - it now has a crack in the bottom which I guess we caused (don't know how). Again, I'm happy to contribute to this cost but should we be asked to pay the whole thing?

pmlindyloo

Raise a dispute with your deposit protection scheme.

The landlord cannot claim betterment so any damage would be based on the age/ condition of the items and would be judged on what the inventory says.

Ask the EA for a detailed explanation of the 'damage' and cost and then start negotiating with the landlord. If that fails then go for previous option.

Modgepodge

What does 'claim betterment' mean?

I realise we can raise a dispute, I just want to make sure there are grounds to do so before we do!

Thanks.

pmlindyloo

Modgepodge wrote: »

What does 'claim betterment' mean?

I realise we can raise a dispute, I just want to make sure there are grounds to do so before we do!

Thanks.

Claiming betterment is when they ask for you to pay the price of a new item when it was old and worn.

Try googling betterment in deposit disputes for more info.

These questions about whether you have grounds to raise a dispute are difficult to answer.

One person's idea of what is clean is totally different from another's.

Best to negotiate if possible - saves a lot of hassle.

Edit. Was the place professionally cleaned when you moved in?

Modgepodge

I'm not aware that it was professionally cleaned when we moved in but it may have been. If it was would that mean they could demand it when moving out?

Sounds like we may have a case with the bar stools and bin however.

00ec25

tenancyclean wrote: »

The best thing you could have done is to take pictures before and after you had your house professionally cleaned. I work at XXXX Ltd and we have a 50 hour guarantee which means if any parts are not cleaned up to inventory clerk standards we come back and re clean for free! For future reference please visit XXXX for more details,

dear newbie, as per forum rules you are not allowed to repeatedly use the boards to advertise your business. You can expect your posts to be removed in due course

*Robin*

00ec25 wrote: »

dear newbie, as per forum rules you are not allowed to repeatedly use the boards to advertise your business. You can expect your posts to be removed in due course

Agree with the sentiment, but he's only made one post!

OP, you should not mention your own company - touting for business on MSE is not permitted (rightly so).

00ec25

*Robin* wrote: »

Agree with the sentiment, but he's only made one post!

OP, you should not mention your own company - touting for business on MSE is not permitted (rightly so).

LOL - that is because the "deleters" have already been at work...

Annie1960

00ec25 wrote: »

LOL - that is because the "deleters" have already been at work...

Yes, I reported one of the spam posts. Obviously others did the same.

Modgepodge

Hello,me again. On the subject of repair costs, as mentioned above the landlord wants us to replace the bar stools, which were badly scratched, and wants £100. I have found indentical ones on amazon for £60. As one had a small tear when we moved in, I don't think we should have to pay the full cost. I was thinking of offering £45: £30 for one, and a £15 contribution to the other, as it was already damaged when we moved in. Does that seems like a fair/reasonable thing to offer?

We are still waiting for costs for cleaning to be sent to us. Do I start talking about offers for repairs now or wait until they have sent us a final breakdown?

I'm finding this all so stressful I can see them taking hundreds of pounds off us when we really left the house in a very reasonable state.

donfanatico

Was there a dual signed inventory?

Claim the full deposit back on the DPS - it is up to the LL to prove not up to you to disprove