Excessive charges in deposit deduction - is it worth disputing?

need_an_answer · 26 September 2019 at 4:46PM

osidos wrote: »

If I owned the property, it would be either my responsibility, or that of whoever dumped it. If I couldn't track down the person who dumped it, it would fall to me to dispose of it by default.

But I don't own it - the landlord does.

Surely you can see how there is an argument that a landlord who decides not to secure a gate bears some responsibility for the results of that?

But I'm not really looking for debate or opinions on who should be responsible. If the law says it's my responsibility, I can accept that. If you can show that is what the law says, I'd appreciate that. But it would be better to just give the information.

I know I'm new here, but I really don't see why some people feel the need to add all sorts of unhelpful off-topic commentary.

I must be missing something then...I don't see anything that's particularly off topic or unhelpful in the comments that have been made.

The basis is that you've posted on a forum where you'll get a multitude of responses some of which will share your view and others that wont.
The majority of posters here are helpful and made up of tenants,homeowners LL's and people with experience of life and housing issues.

People take their time to reply and do so simply to pass on information that hopefully will help you have a clearer understanding of the situation you are in.

Its down to you whether you act on the advice given that's your call and judgement but please respect that just because you may not like the answer you are being given that shouldn't mean you class it as unhelpful,its a difference of opinion.

The adjudication process is there to resolve disputes and you admit that there is a dispute,but if the cost of resolving that dispute falls within clear parameters of costings you are likely to have that money deducted from your deposit.

It wont cost you anything to dispute,other than time so perhaps if you decide to dispute you would be kind enough to come back and update the thread with the results.

That helps others in similar situations in the future if they ever have a dispute...and its one of the ways that keeps forums giving the most appropriate advice.

osidos · 26 September 2019 at 5:07PM

need_an_answer wrote: »

I must be missing something then...I don't see anything that's particularly off topic or unhelpful in the comments that have been made.

The basis is that you've posted on a forum where you'll get a multitude of responses some of which will share your view and others that wont.
The majority of posters here are helpful and made up of tenants,homeowners LL's and people with experience of life and housing issues.

People take their time to reply and do so simply to pass on information that hopefully will help you have a clearer understanding of the situation you are in.

Its down to you whether you act on the advice given that's your call and judgement but please respect that just because you may not like the answer you are being given that shouldn't mean you class it as unhelpful.

I understand that I am effectively asking for a favour by coming here and asking for advice. I certainly don't want to look ungrateful for the help offered. And of course I don't ask everyone to share my view. But that wasn't why I said some posts were unhelpful.

Again, I would like to thank everyone who has helped.

osidos · 26 September 2019 at 5:09PM

AdrianC wrote: »

Perhaps we're simply helping you to realise that common sense applies?

If that's the case, the best way to do it is to say "Common sense applies here - I think/know you would be responsible."

osidos · 26 September 2019 at 5:15PM

sal_III wrote: »

Apologies if hit a nerve and/or my post sounded condescending.

Rubbish dumped in your garden is your problem based you having responsibility to return the garden in the same condition at checkout. Which is part of what you are being charged for, by your own account. I didn't say you are liable for clearing it, that would depend on your tenancy agreement wording. Even if there is no specific provision, there is an argument that if the tenants has allowed an illegal activity (fly tipping) to occur on the property they are responsible for the aftermath. It's a grey area.

You shouldn't base your reasonable cost on the cheapest quote, but on an average quote. LL is not obligated to use the cheapest service available.

You have nothing to lose by disputing the amount, just don't expect much if any reduction.

Thanks. Just so it's clear, I'm not looking at the cheapest quote possible. I'm happy to make some allowance for the availability of gardeners and the possibility that a gardener might need to charge a minimum fee, and I'm happy to add extra on top of that to account for other things I might not have considered. I'm happy to consider average or even above average prices, but the thing is that I can't find any prices that approach £300.

I think all my questions have been answered as well as they can, unless someone with very specific knowledge (e.g. a gardener) has something to add, so thanks again for everything.

I'll come back and let you all know the result in case it helps someone else.