Landlord unfair expectations regarding professional cleaning

brocq_18

I have just resigned an agreement to stay at the property I have been renting for a year now. Two of the other 4 girls have also done this. Having started the new term the landlord now wants the property to be deep cleaned. As we haven’t vacated the property we don’t agree with this. We are happy to do this when we vacate the property.

It must be taken into account the unreasonable expectation that the property be cleaned professionally when it was not let to us in such a manner.

Furthermore she is asking 3 of us to pay for cleaning costs for 5 people’s usgage. Obviously this is grossly unfair and clearly incorrect.

Our landlord did not make any effort to see us in the first year, this was the first time we met her having exchanged contracts via an agency before. She has seen the property is in a good state. In addition to all of this, we have continually asked for the front door to be repaired/refitted as it is insecure and let’s in so much draught. I good shove and we could easily be burgled in addition to the heat that is constantly lost. We emailed the landlord this at the beginning of the last agreement and she largely ignored us and refused when pushed to do anything. This is in addition to stalling when agreeing to clean the garden which was not done for months.

What would be the best way to go about this? Thanks in advance.

Su

Edit: It has come to light that she hasn't complied with the deposit protection scheme...

stator

Generally just ignore stupid landlords until you decide to leave. Not much else you can do. I wouldn't complain because they might evict you when you don't want to leave.
Secure the front door with a few bolts yourself and change the locks.

rtho782

Just ignore her demands for professional cleaning.

If she hasn't protected the deposit, claim the maximum amount from her. You might need to find a new place to live though!

TBagpuss

Rather than simply e-mailing regarding the front door, write (paper, ink, stamp) and send to the landlord at the addres for service given in your lease.
Stress that you feelthat the dor is insecure as well as poorly fitting resulting in drafts.

So far as the cleaning is concerned, while you don't have to do anything now, at the time you leave, the check out inventory will need to be compared with the check in one - the issue about how many people's 'dirt' ou are responsbible for will depend on the lease. If you had a joint tenancy, then you are responsible as you have 'joint and several liability' and the time to address it with your former co-tenants was at the point they were leaving.

If the property is a HMO it may be different.