Disputed £180 of deposit deductions & landlord will increase it if we go to TDS

FBaby

You do hedge rights that's what the ADR is all about. If you are confident that the LL is tryo g it on then agree to the ADR and let them conclude rust you should have your full deposit back.

It's not the LL or the agent deciding it's an independent party.

The_Real_Cheddar_Bob

feel free to include the newspapers in your struggle. I involved out local paper with mine when trying to get the deposit back for a dirty cooker, which wasn't dirty.

The newspapers called the agent for their view and hey presto, the deposit came in full.

Carlajoanna90

Thanks for all the replies everyone, I really appreciate it.

As much as I would normally love to fight back as it's completely uncalled for and unwarranted, my partners Dad has taken a turn for the worst and I just don't have the energy to fight with the letting agent anymore (the letting agent and landlord were aware of the circumstances and I think they were relying on me not having the time to put into fighting them on it as we are at the oncology ward every day).

It's disgusting but we've agreed to just pay the £180 just to make our lives easier (and because we need really need SOME money back ASAP to help pay for our travel at the moment) as in their words 'the landlord will be going for the full amount if this goes to dispute' - we thought 'the full amount' referred to the £180 they'd asked to take from the deposit before they then said they'd try to get the whole deposit.

I'm so exhausted by this, and feel completely bullied. When I have the time again I'll be making a formal complaint against the letting agent.

Carlajoanna90

Oh also to clarify - both check-in and check-out reports stated 'to a good domestically clean standard' but our contract said it needed a professional clean at the end. My understanding was that if it's not professionally clean before, the contract saying we need to pay for that is nonsense.

Literally so upset and exhausted after being shouted at and threatened with more charges every time I say I can't speak on the phone I need things in writing. £180 down is better than getting nothing back for another month or two though, even if the average for London for a 1 bedroom flat professional clean is around £100-£120.

goodwithsaving

I can't believe you gave in. I understand you situation, but that's such a silly decision. It lets them win.

Carlajoanna90

Yeah a bit of a quick decision there that ultimately I do regret now I've had time to process it, but I've done it now and know better for next time