check out problems - large cleaning bill

newfoundglory

Hello everyone.

I recently ended a tenancy, and the estate agent and landlord have decided to obtain a £250 quote for professional cleaning. The scope of which is beyond the condition at check-in and substantially beyond the checkout inventory. Their argument is that I have agreed to have the property professionally cleaned (and I have not done this)

However, the property was not professionally cleaned at check-in and was very dusty according to the inventory. There was also carpentry debris, due to re-decoration, and some sanitary ware and floor stains.

Is the landlord in breach of the tenancy, and am I required to professionally clean anything including the carpets?

2.3 Condition of Premises Repair and Cleaning
2.3.6 At the End of the Tenancy to ensure that all linen (if any) is freshly laundered and to have professionally cleaned (or to compensate the Landlord in damages) all blankets duvets carpets upholstery curtains and other articles set out in the Inventory or substituted for the same which shall be shown by reference to the Inventory to have been soiled during the Tenancy. In any event to have the carpets professionally cleaned at least once in every twelve month period of occupation.

3 LANDLORD’S OBLIGATIONS
The Landlord agrees with the Tenant:
3.1 Cleaning and Appliances
3.1.1 To deliver to the Tenant at the commencement of the Tenancy the Premises in a clean and tidy condition with all appliances in proper working order.

7 SPECIAL CONDITIONS
7.3 Professional Cleaning
Notwithstanding and subject to the provisions contained within the Tenancy, including but not limited to Clauses 2.3 (Condition of Premises Repair & Cleaning) and Clause 3.1.1 (Cleaning & Appliances), the Landlord agrees to deliver the Premises to the Tenant having had them professionally cleaned at his own expense. IT IS FURTHER AGREED that at the End of the Tenancy the Tenant will, at his own expense, deliver the Premises back to the Landlord having had them professionally cleaned.

PositivelyPerturbed

No, you are not required to pay for this and should dispute in the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. It's called Betterment and is illegal.

G_M

See

* Deposits: payment, protection and return

buggy_boy

You are required to return the property in the same condition that you received the property, minus wear and tear allowances (Does not include damages)...

Your deposit should be protected by a deposit protection scheme, you can dispute the amount taken from the deposit... The way the deposit protection scheme works it puts the onus on the landlord to prove their is justification for the cost..

I would say though every tenant I have had has thought they left the property in the same state and immaculate, it never is, I always spend at least a day cleaning but them im OCD and like to give the next tenant a pristine house as my thought is there is nothing more likely to make a tenant fall out of love with their new home than coming in and having to clean. I have never charged for cleaning, although there has been more than a few that I really wish I had, often it seems not too bad will you start properly cleaning then you start finding all the bits that were missed. £250 does seem on the high side but my experience is tenants clean to a point of "That will do".

The fact you accepted it needed professionally cleaned would suggest you kinda knew it was not as clean as it should have been? But if you feel it is unfair raise a dispute with reasons and any evidence you have... The landlord will then provide invoice and evidence and the independent deposit protection scheme will decide...

Have you already accepted the deduction from your deposit? If so then its case closed...

newfoundglory

No. Indeed, they had a cleaning quote done which probably clearly demonstrates significant betterment (compared to the inventory). [They are not aware that I approached the cleaning company directly to get the breakdown of cleaning quoted]

I said that I would not agree to the amount suggested, and I offered a nominal sum instead, subject to them paying 8% interest on the remaining deposit.

At the end of the day, the property was caked in dust (which is now clean) but there are other very minor cleaning issues elsewhere. However, it seems that I have a solid case for not returning it in a better (or professionally clean) state and certainly not at the cost of £250

I was more concerned about the carpets, but I doubt those were professionally clean either.

diggingdude

newfoundglory wrote: »

No. Indeed, they had a cleaning quote done which probably clearly demonstrates significant betterment (compared to the inventory). [They are not aware that I approached the cleaning company directly to get the breakdown of cleaning quoted]

I said that I would not agree to the amount suggested, and I offered a nominal sum instead, subject to them paying 8% interest on the remaining deposit.

At the end of the day, the property was caked in dust (which is now clean) but there are other very minor cleaning issues elsewhere. However, it seems that I have a solid case for not returning it in a better (or professionally clean) state and certainly not at the cost of £250

I was more concerned about the carpets, but I doubt those were professionally clean either.

Where are you reading that you are entitled to that? Do you have pictures of moving in and out?

newfoundglory

s69 county courts act. they don't have to pay it, it adds pressure, and if they don't I always have the option of going to court and adding it to my claim. if they wait too long, small claims court might be a better choice for the interest alone as its not a small deposit and they are currently deliberately withholding the non-disputed amount (presumably to increase their negotiating position)

there are pictures in the inventory, and I did take moving out pictures yes.
they will be laughed at for presenting a £250 bill thats for sure.

This could get messy and possibly quite nasty. Definitely a landlord trying to make some extra cash.

Wondering if it might be worth contacting the legal helpline on the home insurance,

G_M

I assume the 8% you are claiming is a daily rate?

newfoundglory

Yes annual rate divided by 365 for the daily rate. I made the daily rate very clear, several times. It's about £10 per month so worth doing if this drags on.

Pixie5740

Why would you bother with court and using a legal helpline when you could just raise a dispute with whichever scheme your deposit is registered with?

00ec25

newfoundglory wrote: »

Wondering if it might be worth contacting the legal helpline on the home insurance,

please explain what response your dispute with the respective protection scheme has been given.

you have opened a dispute haven't you, or are you simply throwing words around and missing the point of being in a scheme?