Panicking over return of owed money from LL (moved out but not cleaned yet)

dekaspace

Though that being said they hold about £360 they owe me so I may have to sue them over what they owe me if they get funny.

If it was just a case of I owed them nothing and they owed me nothing I wouldnt be going to the level of cleaning (would still empty flat and hoover and shampoo just not checking walls for slighest marks)

Arleen

dekaspace wrote: »

Though that being said they hold about £360 they owe me so I may have to sue them over what they owe me if they get funny.

If it was just a case of I owed them nothing and they owed me nothing I wouldnt be going to the level of cleaning (would still empty flat and hoover and shampoo just not checking walls for slighest marks)

If they owe you money you should demand it and sue if they won't cough it up. No reasons to condition it with them "getting funny", they owe you money - get it back.

da_rule

They owe you for overpayment of rent. They are not allowed to take any deductions from it. Unfortunately you would have to take them to court if they got funny. You say they've sent you a rent statement showing this overpayment, so they have acknowledged that it's rent money and not a deposit so it should be a pretty open and shut case.

[Deleted User]

Whether part of the money you paid can be considered a deposit is discussed here https://anthonygold.co.uk/latest/blog/a-tenancy-deposit-or-rent-in-advance. I googled 'scotland is rent in advance a deposit'.

However its obviously a complex issue. You could try contacting https://www.housingoptionsscotland.org.uk/. They may be able to clarify.

However, I'm afraid areas around light switches often become discoloured. Its not due to the paint, its due to the dirt hands have on them. I usually find a quick scrub with a flash type product or white vinegar will remove. It will remove paint as well but at least there will be no dirt. The cheapness of the paint has nothing to do with the marks. Its dirt. Same for the discolouration around the bed.If matt paint has been used, (usually is), removal of the paint means the dirt and discolouration is also being removed. It should be viewed as a positive not a reason to avoid cleaning lol.

I usually spend more than an hour or two shampooing to clean carpets. Doing this earlier rather than later is a good idea (and/or drying with towels) - will help prevent leaving damp carpets. A quick shampoo will do little, it tends to take time.

However if the LL has no photos or a move in inventory saying 'walls clean, carpets clean' signed by themselves and you, they will have difficulty proving the marks are down to you.

glasgowdan

A little perspective here...this is all over £360, not thousands. I'd you can find your brains panic "off" switch I would give it a wee press.

gycraig_2

glasgowdan wrote: »

A little perspective here...this is all over £360, not thousands. I'd you can find your brains panic "off" switch I would give it a wee press.

360 quid can be a lot of money if someone Is living pay cheque to pay cheque

FBaby

There's no way to really advice on a forum purely because people have such distinct views on what is considered wear and tear and was is considered damage. The tenant I had for 3 years had very different views to me. It went to the ADR and they agreed with me, but I do believe that they genuinely believed that they thought the condition of the place was due to wear and tear and therefore that the ADR had been unfair.

Just do your best in line with the inventory. If the place was professionally cleaned, then be prepared to do dusting in addition to cleaning and don't forget things like the windows, possibly outside too if mentioned in the inventory. This is all you can do and hopefully, they will agree with your standards.

dekaspace

FBaby wrote: »

There's no way to really advice on a forum purely because people have such distinct views on what is considered wear and tear and was is considered damage. The tenant I had for 3 years had very different views to me. It went to the ADR and they agreed with me, but I do believe that they genuinely believed that they thought the condition of the place was due to wear and tear and therefore that the ADR had been unfair.

Just do your best in line with the inventory. If the place was professionally cleaned, then be prepared to do dusting in addition to cleaning and don't forget things like the windows, possibly outside too if mentioned in the inventory. This is all you can do and hopefully, they will agree with your standards.

Actually to bring in some more context, the previous tenants moved out due to property being flooded (bedroom kitchen and bathroom I think) and ll cheaply painted and put carpet down, not sure if the last part is relevant in the point if the previous tenants were there years and landlord was able to put down brand new carpet when they moved out which insurance paid out for then it would be past the time it would meant to be repainted anyway (from what the LL's own workers told me they redecorated on the cheap and pocketed the change)

All the inventory seems to mention is a few lines stating whats included and not the condition literally a few lines such as cooker, not even sure if it mentions carpet was new.

When I know the LL has and does rent out properties in far worse state than I have left it (even before finishing the cleaning) on one hand it makes the panic less but then it makes me think maybe they claim for damages then don't do repairs.

At the moment all that needs done is a final check of rooms and chuck things in a large bin bag such as leftover cables and extension leads, then the mopping of kitchen, hoovering of rooms, carpet shampoo machine in rooms.

I assume no more than 2 hours and will go out soon to do it, just wish I had a few more days that being said it may be the best thing as already have noise from neighbours upstairs at new place as they have kids lol.

FBaby

Why do you wish you had more days if all what is required is about 2 hours worth of cleaning?

As said, at this stage, all you can do is clean as best as you can, then wait to see what they say and take it from there.

dekaspace

FBaby wrote: »

Why do you wish you had more days if all what is required is about 2 hours worth of cleaning?

As said, at this stage, all you can do is clean as best as you can, then wait to see what they say and take it from there.

With Christmas and all that its been a rush getting things done, the day I got keys I had to then organise removals and pack, then week after had a pre planned visit to a relative for 2 nights, then had a bad virus (pure sweats for days) then had to spend time packing stuff then of course it was Christmas.

So not had a chance to slow down, even though it should be 2 hours at an estimate, it may take 1, it may take as much as 4 as the biggest time killer is working around things i.e shoving whats left into a corner.

Im hoping I am just being over anxious and everything will be fine but past experience seems to be that my landlords have looked for the smallest fault as small as spots on wall or dust, even had ones where I have scrubbed kitchen cupboards to be told they aren't shiny enough (as in I wipe them down with fresh cloths but they aren't as white as new)

If I go now I may be done in 2 hours but due to being drained with last few weeks I will work a bit slow and want to rest a lot so may take double that time.

Really am just about to go now, having a wash then having a shower when I get there.