Deposit refund issue

deason_uk

Hi,

Just moved out of a property after 2.5 years. Landlord is currently disputing the following

Needed work/Repairs reported as;

1. Broken external tap (that was working)

2. Broken kitchen handles, (some reported on check in as broken), kitchen over 5-10 years of age

3. Two damaged toilet seats

4. General cleaning of internals (filthy when we moved in and reflected on check in inventory)

5. Cleaning of soffits and guttering

6. Garden cleaning/deweeding, that was done before leaving, patio cleaned and gaps deweeded, grass cut.

6 is an interesting one, we moved in in April with new planted plants, moved out in late july so exceptionally different growths.

I have offered to clean out the garage and also the oven which wasn't satisfactory.

Does the above sound right?

G_M

* Deposits: payment, protection and return

deason_uk

Hi,

I've read the resources.

It will probably now goto adjudication, such a shame.

However anyone got any views on footing stuff above?

A lot of fair wear and tear in this dispute from my view.

pmlindyloo

deason_uk wrote: »

Hi,

Just moved out of a property after 2.5 years. Landlord is currently disputing the following

Needed work/Repairs reported as;

1. Broken external tap (that was working)

2. Broken kitchen handles, (some reported on check in as broken), kitchen over 5-10 years of age

3. Two damaged toilet seats

4. General cleaning of internals (filthy when we moved in and reflected on check in inventory)

5. Cleaning of soffits and guttering

6. Garden cleaning/deweeding, that was done before leaving, patio cleaned and gaps deweeded, grass cut.

6 is an interesting one, we moved in in April with new planted plants, moved out in late july so exceptionally different growths.

I have offered to clean out the garage and also the oven which wasn't satisfactory.

Does the above sound right?

No one can answer your questions specifically as if you do not come to an agreement then it will go to adjudication.

To avoid this you could write to your landlord and give reasons for your disputing the costs (the LL did specify the costs, didn't they? if not ask for them.

Points to be aware of:

your tenancy agreement and what it says about responsibility for guttering/soffits. My understanding is that LL is responsible for damage to guttering (due to wear and tear) but tenant is responsible for keeping them clear of leaves etc.

your check in inventory - you need to return the property in the same condition as when you took it on - so what does that cover?

wear and tear - this would not include broken door handles/broken toilet seats

So dispute with LL and try to come to some sort of agreement. Sometimes an offer/recognition of what you are responsible for goes a long way to mediating about these things.

Quote the tenancy agreement (if relevant), the check in inventory/pictures you have of garden - that sort of thing.

if you cannot agree then use your deposit protection scheme. The landlord should refund the part of the deposit that is not being disputed.