Inventory Check out report

themisty44

The place we are now in, it's freshly painted everywhere. New kitchen and bathroom and carpets throughout. So it's a better indication for us when we leave. As any marks will have definitely been made by us. The last place the one in question, the walls were already patchy and marked, faded skirting and discoloured in places. Hard to know which ones were caused by us or not. My son couldn't even sleep in his bedroom because of the damp and smell problem. His wardrobe was green on the back within a couple of months in the place. After advising the LL, who advised us he never had a problem when he lived there. So early on we got to know the measure of the LL. And wouldn't of stayed even if we were not moving 6 hrs away.
Completely different to where we are now.

themisty44

That's tough, if he is complaining about the weeds etc, then that's what the money should be used for.
It's not right really

Guest101

themisty44 wrote: »

That's tough, if he is complaining about the weeds etc, then that's what the money should be used for.
It's not right really

No, you're compensating him.

Let's say someone crashes into your car, their insurance will pay out but you can spend the money how you like- new car, or holiday, or drink and drug fuelled binge in Vegas

Tyler119

themisty44 wrote: »

The place we are now in, it's freshly painted everywhere. New kitchen and bathroom and carpets throughout. So it's a better indication for us when we leave. As any marks will have definitely been made by us. The last place the one in question, the walls were already patchy and marked, faded skirting and discoloured in places. Hard to know which ones were caused by us or not. My son couldn't even sleep in his bedroom because of the damp and smell problem. His wardrobe was green on the back within a couple of months in the place. After advising the LL, who advised us he never had a problem when he lived there. So early on we got to know the measure of the LL. And wouldn't of stayed even if we were not moving 6 hrs away.
Completely different to where we are now.

How long did you stay at the previous property?

themisty44

Only stayed 6 months. Moved in height of summer, so of course the garden looked perfect, but now, bare bushes, leaves, wet darker looking paths.

saajan_12

themisty44 wrote: »

We knew the check out report on the property we had rented for 6 months wouldn't be easy, as the previous tenant had lost half her deposit to the landlord. Even worse the item she lost her deposit for wasn't even replaced. The money was just pocketed by the landlord. - LL doesn't have to replace it. Assuming the damages were correct, they reflect a loss in value of the LL's property. In theory this may put off potential tenants / attract a lower rent than if they were in perfect condition so the LL should be compensated for that.

The inventory check out was done the day before new tenants moved in, so it wasn't just a case of cleaning etc. The place had to look right for the new tenants. The property had not had a new lick of paint in over 4.5 years, just lots of touch up and scuff marks, floor tiles were cracked and moving, rusted handles on kitchen units, old cooker, fridge, freezer (which the landlord got with the property, when he bought it 5yrs ago).
The check in inventory was 44 pages long, with photos. - good, little room for doubt then. I presume you agreed with it or flagged anything you disagreed with?

While we were there for the inventory, she advised the oven wasn't 100% as it was before moving in, the garden had weeds and the paths needed a wash. I didn't agree with any of these, as I had cleaned the oven, and of course it might not look 100% as it was (but it wasn't perfect when we moved it, just cleaned by the previous tenant (I asked her). - fair enough, by your description it sounds like similar condition allowing for fair wear and tear. was it? The garden, well it's winter, a few more weeds maybe, lots of leaves, but clear and tidy. The paths are dark, but they were similar (looking at the pictures taken at check in) - if there were more weeds / leaves, you should have cleared these before move out. The LL can charge the reasonable cost for someone to correct - sounds like less than an hour's work?. Which funny enough they are not in the before and after pictures at checkout. If we weren't expected straight after check out to leave, maybe we would of had time to wash the paths with a bit of water. - you have the duration of your tenancy to resolve any issues. Was the inventory carried out after your tenancy ended? If so, LL doesn't have to give you access to resolve.

I was told that by employing an inventory clerk, by a independent company meant they would be impartial (have I spelt that right?). But as soon as we left she contacted the landlord to advise what she thought we were liable for. Isn't the inventory clerk supposed to just send the report to the landlord and let the landlord decide? Plus the inventory clerk has suggested a price for the oven clean.
Don't get me know, if we are wrong and need to pay for some and I mean some of it we will. But I am hesitant for paying for I.e. a jet wash to the paths, when the previous tenant there for 2 yrs never had to do that when she left, or during anytime they were there.
Also with new tenants in now using the cooker and garden, how does that work? - so? If the cooker/garden were indeed damaged beyond fair wear and tear, the LL is entitled to be compensated for either their out of pocket cost to fix, or for the loss in value.
Any comments greatly received, thanks

I'd worry less about the tenants before / after you or who did the inventory, and more about whether the items claimed refer to actual damages beyond fair wear and tear. If you disagree, you can state your case to the LL, or just dispute via the arbitration where your deposit is protected.