Leaving rented house - carpet cleaning enforceable??

maisonette

I've given notice to leave my current home, a housing association property on an assured shorthold tenancy (intermediate rent). This is basically a near market rent property, I've paid 65k in rent over the years - no housing payments/benefits of any kind received if that makes a difference.

I've lived there over 9 years, the carpets were put in new when I moved in. The tenancy agreement has the below clause with regards carpet cleaning... it says that I should pay for "'professional washing of carpets which have been soiled during the tenancy" [full text below], it says nothing about having to have a receipt for the cleaning.

The carpets were cleaned (by me, with a rug doctor a year or so ago - no receipt kept) and are in good clean condition, as such (and in line with the tenancy agreement) my opinion is that they don't require cleaning as they are not soiled.

However, the info I've been given on handing in my notice is contradictory, it says that all carpets should be 'professionally' cleaned and that I must supply a receipt/invoice otherwise I'll be charged [full text below].

Would be grateful for people's thoughts... I'd really like my deposit back and would prefer not to pay for 'professional' cleaning (I know there is no such thing as a professional carpet cleaner!).

If it makes a difference my deposit was NOT protected, despite the tenancy beginning after 2007 and it being an assured shorthold tenancy, naughty housing association! There was also no inventory done, although the carpets were obviously in pristine condition at the point I moved in as they were new.

TENANCY AGREEMENT:
Pay for the professional washing (including ironing or pressing) of all the counterparts blankets and curtains and cleaning of all carpets which shall have been soiled during the tenancy (the reasonable use thereof nevertheless to be allowed for)

TENANCY AGREEMENT:
In the event of the tenant failing to comply with the tenant's obligations contained in this tenancy the landlord shall be entitled to deduct from the deposit such sums as are reasonable in or towards making good the tenant's failure to comply with the said obligations. Deductions shall be made at the discretion and times required by the landlord and shall not reduce or extinguish the landlord's claim against the tenant save to the extent of any sums so deducted

INFO GIVEN ON HANDING NOTICE IN:
Carpets - all carpets and flooring should be professionally cleaned at the end of the tenancy and the Association will need to see documentary proof that this has happened (ie a recipt or contractors invoice). You will be charged for these costs if you cannot provide evidence

anselld

No, not enforceable. You are only required to return the property in the state you received it less wear an tear.

However, penalty of up to 3x deposit for non-protection is enforceable.

McKneff

He agreed though, to have the carpets professionally cleaned. No getting away from that clause. You can betcha theyvwill find a compny that will be a lot more expensive than a company you can find

maisonette

McKneff wrote: »

He agreed though, to have the carpets professionally cleaned. No getting away from that clause. You can betcha theyvwill find a compny that will be a lot more expensive than a company you can find

I agreed to clean carpets that are 'soiled during the tenancy', in my opinion the carpets aren't soiled as I cleaned them a year or so ago (with a rug doctor myself, not 'professionally' - and no receipt).

From the tenancy agreement, my bold: 'professional washing of carpets which have been soiled during the tenancy'

I agree that the housing association will no doubt get their 'professional' contractor in at extortionate rates so if I have no chance of 'winning' I'm better of stumping up the cash and getting them 'professionally' cleaned myself.

mickey54

Assume u have white goods too ... What does tenancy agreement say about replacements?
After nine years, I would have thought all goods included would be replaced.

maisonette

mickey54 wrote: »

Assume u have white goods too ... What does tenancy agreement say about replacements?
After nine years, I would have thought all goods included would be replaced.

All the appliances are mine, it's an unfurnished property so no white goods.

FBaby

If it was disputed, it could go either way depending on the arbitrator. If I were you, assuming the carpets don't have big marks, on the basis that it's been 9 years, assuming the rest of the place is clean, I would take the risk.

htaylor16

I got my carpets cleaned professionally for £90, after living in the rented place for 18 months. Worth it to get my £2225 deposit back. If they've asked for receipts they'll want to see them. If you had dirty carpets when you moved in I can see you point but yours were brand new, also a rug dr doesn't clean as well as a professional job. Stop being so tight and get them done.

glasgowdan

(I know there is no such thing as a professional carpet cleaner!).

I can't figure out what you mean by this? You genuinely think there's nobody who does full time carpet cleaning as a profession?

maisonette

FBaby wrote: »

If it was disputed, it could go either way depending on the arbitrator. If I were you, assuming the carpets don't have big marks, on the basis that it's been 9 years, assuming the rest of the place is clean, I would take the risk.

The whole house is in pretty much 'move in' condition, a bit tired in places but overall good condition. The carpets are clean and are in good condition, hence my reluctance to pay to have them cleaned again! The house itself (apart from the carpets) was absolutely fillthy when I moved in, so they've obviously upped their check out standards - it was so bad they offered to not charge me rent for a few weeks to make up for it! I declined as I was worried about the council tax side of things, ie I'd not be paying council tax as wasn't officially living there, when I obviously was living there and council tax was due

htaylor16 wrote: »

I got my carpets cleaned professionally for £90, after living in the rented place for 18 months. Worth it to get my £2225 deposit back. If they've asked for receipts they'll want to see them. If you had dirty carpets when you moved in I can see you point but yours were brand new, also a rug dr doesn't clean as well as a professional job. Stop being so tight and get them done.

The point about them asking for receipts is that my tenancy agreement doesn't say I have to provide receipts, whereas their checkout info says I do - I don't want to pay for something that doesn't need cleaning to be cleaned, so if that makes me tight - then yep, I'm tight!

glasgowdan wrote: »

(I know there is no such thing as a professional carpet cleaner!)

I can't figure out what you mean by this? You genuinely think there's nobody who does full time carpet cleaning as a profession?

What I mean is there's no legally recognised qualification that makes someone a professional carpet cleaner - I've seen this said before by in relation to cleaning, I was applying the same logic to carpet cleaning...

@Pixie5740 "Who sets the standards of professional cleaning? The Royal Society of Cleaners? The UK Cleaning Council"

bouicca21

I once had a carpet 'professionally' cleaned. The 'professionals' used a rug doctor ...