Deposit after mum has died

Kitty777

So my mother passed away unexpectedly last week and was in rented housing with a private landlord. I had a meeting with them today about my mum's house. I have been told

As the rent was due on the 17th it will have to come out the deposit.
The house has mould issues...Worse than I thought. My mum never brought it to our attention because she was struggling badly with mental health problems and probably didn't dare tell anyone. The landlord mentioned getting a quote to redecorate certain parts and deduct it from what's left, if any of the deposit.

Her deposit is in protection scheme and her "estate" is less than £100.
Do I just accept both of these? Just need some advice before I agree to anything.

Thanks!

The_Logans

Kitty777 wrote: »

So my mother passed away unexpectedly last week and was in rented housing with a private landlord. I had a meeting with them today about my mum's house. I have been told

As the rent was due on the 17th it will have to come out the deposit.
The house has mould issues...Worse than I thought. My mum never brought it to our attention because she was struggling badly with mental health problems and probably didn't dare tell anyone. The landlord mentioned getting a quote to redecorate certain parts and deduct it from what's left, if any of the deposit.

Her deposit is in protection scheme and her "estate" is less than £100.
Do I just accept both of these? Just need some advice before I agree to anything.

Thanks!

Sorry for your loss Kitty777. I can't really help but if it's simply a case of a bit of a clean and some paint, with a bit of ventilation for a bit I think the landlord is being a bit harsh under the circumstances.

Kitty777

The_Logans wrote: »

Sorry for your loss Kitty777. I can't really help but if it's simply a case of a bit of a clean and some paint, with a bit of ventilation for a bit I think the landlord is being a bit harsh under the circumstances.

Yes they said for a decorator to redo the bit in the bathroom. Rest will clear off. It's just upsetting because she was a good Tennant and kept herself to herself.

The_Logans

Kitty777 wrote: »

Yes they said for a decorator to redo the bit in the bathroom. Rest will clear off. It's just upsetting because she was a good Tennant and kept herself to herself.

I'm not sure there's much you can do legally, but if it was me as the landlord I'd let it go...

Kitty777

The_Logans wrote: »

I'm not sure there's much you can do legally, but if it was me as the landlord I'd let it go...

There's furniture and stuff in the house too..was going to remove it thinking I'd get the deposit back but if I'm not...I feel like not helping them out at all.

Gigervamp

If you leave the furniture, they can bill you for disposing it.

Sorry for your loss.

Kitty777

Gigervamp wrote: »

If you leave the furniture, they can bill you for disposing it.

Sorry for your loss.

They can take from her estate. Which is like £112. She was in debt.. They can try :P

getmore4less

if there are debts then the deposit will just end up paying them.

It might be best to collect all the valuables and sentimental stuff for "save keeping" then walk away and not intermeddle in the estate.

Kitty777

getmore4less wrote: »

if there are debts then the deposit will just end up paying them.

It might be best to collect all the valuables and sentimental stuff for "save keeping" then walk away and not intermeddle in the estate.

I appreciate that. Just didn't want the landlord to get it if he didn't have too.

Could I just clear of possessions and walk away? And leave the deposit? It's only £150 after rent arrears anyway.

Keep_pedalling

Gigervamp wrote: »

If you leave the furniture, they can bill you for disposing it.

Sorry for your loss.

No they can't, the estate is effectively insolvent as it does not have sufficient assets to pay the funeral costs, which have priority over any dept owed bty the deceased. If there are no assets within the estate debts die with the debtor, they cannot be passed to the decendants..

Personally I would simply hand over the keys with a letter stating that your mother's estate is insolvent, and that you are not handling the estate so they can do whatever they like with the furniture. You won't get any of the deposits back, but you will save yourself a lot wasted time, effort and stress.

getmore4less

why would you want to take on the responsibility of administering the estate, dealing with all the paper work, creditors and making sure you distribute everything properly for nothing?