Deposit issues or non-issues?

Hi_Mum

Hi all, just seeking some clarification on some matters if I may.

I'm due to move out from my rented home in a couple of weeks and a check-out meeting will be arranged for this. My questions are thus:

1. When we moved in, an inventory was done (The property was a bit dirty and we had to reclean upon entering - we took pictures of the property as it stood as we moved in but these don't match up with the pics on the inventory - they look like they are from day 1 of the property, although the descriptions correspond with our pictures - can these be used as evidence if by any chance they claim the property wasn't cleaned by us? We will clean it to a high standard but can they claim that it's not good enough if we have pictures that show the standard when we moved in?

2. On moving in, we were supplied a couch and chair. The couch was okay with some marks but this was noted. The chair had some scuffs (almost like somebody has been wearing beads on their clothes and when moving around, it's scratched the faux leather if that makes sense?). Now on the inventory, it just says chair but doesn't state the condition so I'm assuming that they cannot claim for this as there is no mention of it being in a great/very good/slightly scratched condition anyway?

3. My friend has advised me that if things are noted (such as a burn mark on the carpet), we shouldn't sign the check-out inventory? The burn mark was caused by a contractor who came out to do work with their blow torch and we reported this to the agent. My friends argument is that signing this would insinuate that this was down to us and we agreed with that?

Any help would be grateful thanks - the property has been kept immaculately and we just want to make sure we get our £800 back!

Hi_Mum

Our deposit is protected incidentally.

G_M

Hi_Mum wrote: »

1. When we moved in, an inventory was done (The property was a bit dirty and we had to reclean upon entering - we took pictures of the property as it stood as we moved in but these don't match up with the pics on the inventory - they look like they are from day 1 of the property, although the descriptions correspond with our pictures - can these be used as evidence if by any chance they claim the property wasn't cleaned by us? We will clean it to a high standard but can they claim that it's not good enough if we have pictures that show the standard when we moved in?
Did you sign the check-in inventory. If yes, why? Yes, those photos will cary more weight than yours unless you can prove the date of your photos.

2. On moving in, we were supplied a couch and chair. The couch was okay with some marks but this was noted. The chair had some scuffs (almost like somebody has been wearing beads on their clothes and when moving around, it's scratched the faux leather if that makes sense?). Now on the inventory, it just says chair but doesn't state the condition so I'm assuming that they cannot claim for this as there is no mention of it being in a great/very good/slightly scratched condition anyway?
If LL says the lack of notes on scuffs indicates there were no scuffs, and you say there were scuffs, it will be down to the adjudicators/court who they believe (if it goes to dispute)

3. My friend has advised me that if things are noted (such as a burn mark on the carpet), we shouldn't sign the check-out inventory? The burn mark was caused by a contractor who came out to do work with their blow torch and we reported this to the agent.
So next to the burn mark comment, write "caused by contractor, as reported on xx/xx/14" & initial.
My friends argument is that signing this would insinuate that this was down to us and we agreed with that?

Any help would be grateful thanks - the property has been kept immaculately and we just want to make sure we get our £800 back!

* Deposits (payment, protection and return)

Hi_Mum

Okay - thanks.

1) I was told by the letting agent that the pictures were just for reference - they're inconsistent anyway. 2 pictures of the living room with the furniture in different areas and different pictures up on the walls.

2) Okay - I understand. Hopefully our evidence of pics before and after (when we take them) will show we've left the property in a great condition.

3) Ok.

A final question, they''ve asked us to clean windows inside and outside, which is fine. However, I had a go at cleaning these yesterday and checked today and due to the bad weather, they're very dirty/dusty on the outside again! As we're due to meet on the 7th for check out and we're meant to be out of the property by Saturday (4th), where do we stand with this if I clean them again on Saturday and they're messed up again by the time the check out happens....?

G_M

How clean were the windows when you moved in?

Hi_Mum

Hi, I can't remember to be honest. I doubt they were immaculate but there's no mention of the cleanliness on the inventory and the pictures aren't good enough to see how clean the windows are. Plus when we moved in, it was in the height of summer so no heavy wind and rain to mess up the outside windows.

It just seems like on a loss with this as even if I paid a professional, they'd be messed up again in no time anyway.... Hmm...

Pixie5740

What's the difference between you washing the windows and getting a "professional" to do it? It's not like there's a City & Guilds in Window Cleaning.