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Tenancy Checkout, Cleaner refusing to give invoice

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Hi All,

I've just completed checkout of a house in Essex that I've been renting for the last 18 months. All went well (it was my first rental), and before I left I had the whole house cleaned by a company from Chelmsford. Beresfords, who managed the tenancy, have requested a copy of the receipt from the cleaner but all he has provided me with is a handwritten scrawl on the back of one of his leaflets.

I paid him in cash and I've since spoken to him on the phone, but he's refusing to give me anything other than what I've got.

I've managed to extract his name and address, but he's doubtlessly frightened that someone is going to report him to HMRC. It's my own stupid fault but he put a leaflet through my door at precisely the time I was looking for a cleaner so I thought I would give it a go.

Beresfords say they won't release my deposit (over £2000!) without the receipt! I don't know what to do! I've texted my landlord (who is lovely, but abroad at the moment) and explained the problem, but she hasn't replied. I don't know if I should speak with Beresfords about it?

Would be very grateful for some advice - I'm now terrified that Beresfords are going to deduct some ridiculous amount for cleaning a house that's already been cleaned! :(
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Comments

  • Out,_Vile_Jelly
    Out,_Vile_Jelly Posts: 4,842 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts
    If the leaflet has the company name on one side and the date and amount paid written on the other then that surely constitutes a receipt. Add the contact details you've found since and submit it (keeping a copy of course). If they try to make a deduction from your deposit, then you go to arbitration presenting this as evidence.
    They are an EYESORES!!!!
  • Kevie192
    Kevie192 Posts: 1,146 Forumite
    Just go to the scheme your deposit is protected with and request a full return.

    The letting agent have no right to request a receipt as they had no right to expect a professional company to do the cleaning in the first place. You could have easily done the cleaning yourself and as long as the condition matches the check in/inventory there's nothing the agent can do.
  • Pixie5740
    Pixie5740 Posts: 14,515 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Eighth Anniversary Name Dropper Photogenic
    The receipt is not required to release your deposit. Providing you have left the property in the same condition as it was in at the start of your tenancy it should be returned to you in full. If the landlord, or an agent acting on his/her behalf is refusing to return the deposit start your own claim.

    See Deposits: payment, protection and return for further information.
  • Pixie5740
    Pixie5740 Posts: 14,515 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Eighth Anniversary Name Dropper Photogenic
    I note that you have already been given the link to Deposits: payment, protection and return in your previous thread. I suggest you read it.
  • aneary
    aneary Posts: 921 Forumite
    Kevie192 wrote: »
    Just go to the scheme your deposit is protected with and request a full return.

    The letting agent have no right to request a receipt as they had no right to expect a professional company to do the cleaning in the first place. You could have easily done the cleaning yourself and as long as the condition matches the check in/inventory there's nothing the agent can do.

    It depends on the contract they can request a professional cleaning company it may be the standard out for them. I always check these conditions against the state of the flat/house before signing. My current one doesn't and the flat will be left in a better state than when I moved in as I can't leave it filthy like it was when I moved in.

    If professional cleaning is in the contract then you would need proof.

    It appears that the OP hasn't asked the agency if the receipt given is sufficient I would start there.
  • Guest101
    Guest101 Posts: 15,764 Forumite
    aneary wrote: »
    It depends on the contract they can request a professional cleaning company it may be the standard out for them. - It's not enforceable. I always check these conditions against the state of the flat/house before signing. My current one doesn't and the flat will be left in a better state than when I moved in as I can't leave it filthy like it was when I moved in.

    If professional cleaning is in the contract then you would need proof. - no you wouldnt

    It appears that the OP hasn't asked the agency if the receipt given is sufficient I would start there.

    Can I suggest you research the topic before giving inaccurate advice
  • pilliepop
    pilliepop Posts: 26 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 10 Posts Combo Breaker
    Thanks for your replies so far.

    So it's a requirement of my tenancy that the property be professionally cleaned and a receipt be made available to the inventory clerk at checkout.

    A friend of mine has just said May not be a professional receipt. But if he’s outlined his service to you and signed it on his company’s document (leaflet). Sounds like a receipt to me?

    Shall I just forward this to Beresfords with the company details I've found about him and leave it at that?
  • Pixie5740
    Pixie5740 Posts: 14,515 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Eighth Anniversary Name Dropper Photogenic
    Alternatively you could read the information in the Deposits link.
  • elverson
    elverson Posts: 808 Forumite
    No, as above, just go straight to the deposit protection scheme.
  • eddddy
    eddddy Posts: 17,961 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    pilliepop wrote: »
    Shall I just forward this to Beresfords with the company details I've found about him and leave it at that?

    Maybe you mean this anyway, but I would typically send a copy and keep the original (to avoid the risk of it getting lost).

    Or if they insist on the original, make sure you keep a copy.
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