Can a landlord deduct this from deposit

mashmash90

Hi All

We've been renting the same place for almost 4 years and have a good relationship with landlord (we've been good tenants, he's been a good landlord). It's now getting to the end of our tenancy so we've been checking the initial inventory report. My biggest area of concern is the bathroom- we have had real issues with mould/ black limescale build up on the tiles during the whole 4 years and the landlord is aware of the ongoing issue (we've had multiple times where he's done anti-damp stuff, replaced extractor fan etc)

There is no window in the bathroom so the damp issue couldn't have been avoided by us. Could we still get money deducted from deposit for having this work done again as at the inventory check in the bathroom looked perfect or would we not be liable as it's not our fault?

Also is it normal for the tenants to pay for the inventory check out fee? Apparently this is stipulated in our tenancy agreement (which I can't find unfortunately, should I ask for a copy?).

Guest101

mashmash90 wrote: »

Hi All

We've been renting the same place for almost 4 years and have a good relationship with landlord (we've been good tenants, he's been a good landlord). It's now getting to the end of our tenancy so we've been checking the initial inventory report. My biggest area of concern is the bathroom- we have had real issues with mould/ black limescale build up on the tiles during the whole 4 years and the landlord is aware of the ongoing issue (we've had multiple times where he's done anti-damp stuff, replaced extractor fan etc)

There is no window in the bathroom so the damp issue couldn't have been avoided by us. Could we still get money deducted from deposit for having this work done again as at the inventory check in the bathroom looked perfect or would we not be liable as it's not our fault?

Also is it normal for the tenants to pay for the inventory check out fee? Apparently this is stipulated in our tenancy agreement (which I can't find unfortunately, should I ask for a copy?).

It is fairly common, but worth checking you didn't pay for the check out at the start.

tom9980

http://www.amazon.co.uk/HG-186050106-Mould-Spray/dp/B000IU40HQ

This stuff eats black mould if sprayed on properly honestly never seen anything work so well. Well worth buying some to clean up and take with you to your next home. I gave my tenants a bottle because black mould seems to always be a problem to varying degrees in most properties.

Mrs_pbradley936

If you do not have a window you will need to leave the bathroom door open when you are not in there. Wiping the mould off with a cloth dipped in dilute bleach will take care of any mould/mildew.

Try and hand the place over in good condition and then there will be little to dispute - no arguments you get your money back all's well that ends well!

mashmash90

Mrs_pbradley936 wrote: »

If you do not have a window you will need to leave the bathroom door open when you are not in there. Wiping the mould off with a cloth dipped in dilute bleach will take care of any mould/mildew.

Try and hand the place over in good condition and then there will be little to dispute - no arguments you get your money back all's well that ends well!

Trust me we NEVER shut the door in there, the mould is incessant and bleaching doesn't work we've tried numerous occasions! The new extractor fan never switches itself off even at night because it's automatic based on humidity levels in the flat! Can't wait to move!

Pixie5740

You've reported the mould problem to the landlord (in writing I hope) so if there is a dispute when the time comes to get your deposit back then you have evidence to show you acted in a tenant like manner and reported the issue.

I bet you can't wait to move. As a tenant I often told myself, the next place will be better.

Mrs_pbradley936

mashmash90 wrote: »

Trust me we NEVER shut the door in there, the mould is incessant and bleaching doesn't work we've tried numerous occasions! The new extractor fan never switches itself off even at night because it's automatic based on humidity levels in the flat! Can't wait to move!

I think I would be tempted to get a dehumidifier (hire one for a few days before you leave). They do work, when I had a burst pipe a few years ago the insurance company hired 4 for the entire house. They were noisy industrial types but we had moved out anyway while the damage was being taken care of.

A couple of domestic types here:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_6?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=dehumidifiers%20for%20home&sprefix=dehumi%2Caps%2C267

bobbymotors

tom9980 wrote: »

http://www.amazon.co.uk/HG-186050106-Mould-Spray/dp/B000IU40HQ

This stuff eats black mould if sprayed on properly honestly never seen anything work so well. Well worth buying some to clean up and take with you to your next home. I gave my tenants a bottle because black mould seems to always be a problem to varying degrees in most properties.

+1 to this, its brilliant spray on, look 10 mins later, all gone.

changed_username

I agree with the above posts.

First of all try spraying HG Mould spray on the tiles. It works a treat.

If you are looking for a dehumidifier for the bathroom then I'd probably get a compressor type model depending on how warm the bathroom is.

Compressor models work better than desiccant models at temperatures over 20C. The Meaco 12L Low Energy would probably do a good job for you.

Make sure the unit is not plugged in in the bathroom though and leave the dehumidifier at the door of the bathroom not inside (for obvious reasons).

agrinnall

I haven't used it myself but I though the bottle looked familiar, you can get it in Lakeland if there's one near you and you don't want to wait for an online order to be delivered.

http://www.lakeland.co.uk/20284/HG-Mould-Remover

imho

Plus they sell a mould cleaner in £ shops in a green spray bottle and that is excellent as well

This is it but from B&Q