End of tenancy - repair costs

Modgepodge

There was an inventory done when we moved in, and out, but we were not present for either. I can't remember if we had to sign the one when we moved in - we were told to annotate it if necessary (which we did) but I still have the original and it's a huge document which I definitely don't remember photocopying to send back to them. Confusingly, the check in and check out inventories are done in a different way - check in has things listed with their condition rated 1-5, check out is a tick sheet with simply acceptable/not acceptable, so it's hard to compare. We have not signed the one from checkout (it was posted to us) as we don't agree with the comments on cleanliness.

I'm aware I can dispute through the DPS, but I thought it would be quicker and easier to negotiate direct with LL/ estate agent first?

Also, I don't dispute that we have some liability for the bin and bar stools as they are in a worse condition than we moved in. I just don't think £100 for something which you can buy for £60, which when we moved in wasn't in perfect condition anyway, is fair. I am happy to pay something, but not what they are asking.

atolaas

Assuming you live in England...your deposit should be with the DPS. Last year I had problems with my previous landlord when I moved out of my last flat after living there for 16 months (long story as to why I left when I did, I'd rather not go into it here). He claimed that I had caused damage to flat and needed to keep half my deposit (around £300) to fix the damage (lightly scuffed walls, marks in the carpet where my furniture had sat aka wear & tear). I should point out that I left the flat in a much better condition of cleanliness than I found it! My landlord had not taken photos of the property before I moved in and was unable to prove that I had caused any of the damage he claimed. The case went to DPS arbitration and I won as the landlord was not able to prove that I had caused the "alleged" damage. I hope that my story has been helpful.

Modgepodge

Hello....update on this, with good news

The agent finally wanted to keep £560. We were willing to pay £100 as we acknowledged some damage and a small amount of cleaning was necessary. We tried negotiating but they weren't having any of it, so we went through DPS arbitration and got the result today.

They wanted to keep:
£100 for redecoration due to splash marks mentioned before - not awarded.
£100 for bar stools - £50 awarded
£140 for cleaning - £40 awarded
£40 for a new bin - £10 awarded
£130 for broken floor tiles - nothing awarded (it was NOT our fault)
£50 awarded (10% admin fee) - £10 awarded as new 10%

I cannot tell you how happy I am. The LL/LA were just taking this !!!! and trying to use us to redecorate their house for free, and they haven't got away with it. In total, for going through DPS arbitration rather than negotiating with us in the first place! they are £10 better off. I hope that covers all the time they spent preparing the evidence.....

Thanks to all on here for all your help.