Landlords additional charges

Phoenix1980

My daughter was evicted a few months ago and as guarantor (even though they broke their deed of guarantee by not informing us of a rental increase) I couldn't cope with any more stress, so we paid court costs for the eviction and rent arrears that were left after my daughter agreed to pay the cleaning costs and some of the rent arrears from the deposit. However we've spent the last month asking for receipts and now they are saying that they want an additional £250 to replace the door. This was not included in the checklist at moving out and it was known by them as it was the reason for the eviction. I have emails to show this. Can they now continue to ask for more money?

G_M

Phoenix1980 wrote: »

My daughter was evicted a few months ago and as guarantor (even though they broke their deed of guarantee by not informing us of a rental increase) I couldn't cope with any more stress, so we paid court costs for the eviction and rent arrears that were left after my daughter agreed to pay the cleaning costs and some of the rent arrears from the deposit. However we've spent the last month asking for receipts and now they are saying that they want an additional £250 to replace the door. This was not included in the checklist at moving out and it was known by them as it was the reason for the eviction. I have emails to show this. Can they now continue to ask for more money?

Of course they can ask.

Whether you agree to pay is up to you. If you don't they'd have to go back to court and convince a judge you owe the money.


Did she actually damage the door?

If there was no mention of the damage in the check-out inspecion, they may have difficulty. However, you also say "it was known by them as it was the reason for the eviction." which suggests that both you, and they, and the original court, knew of the damage! In which case your daughter (and therefore also you) is responsible.

Phoenix1980

The damage was done by her partners brother during a mental health crisis which was attended by the police. Her partner tried his best to repair the door which was initially fine with the landlord, then he wanted it replaced which they couldn't do financially and then they were served an eviction notice. I was just enquiring as to whether they could now change their minds essentially as it hadn't been included in the final check and not mentioned further up until now.

need_an_answer

How long ago has it been since your daughter was evicted?

Do you or she have anything in writing from the LL confirming they were"fine" with the door?

When you say nothing was mentioned on the check out...how was the state of the door described?

My gut feeling is that the door was damaged by an associate of the tenant and so it would fall under their responsibility to rectify back to the condition stated in the check in inventory.(minus wear and tear)...the damage is not general wear and tear

However if there is a clear paper trail that the LL was previously satisfied with the state of the door you may have more of a case to claim that further financial input by yourself is not required.

Phoenix1980

She was evicted in September. I would need to check the wording they used in the emails and the final check.

sal_III

I suspect the LL was fine for the repair to be done by the tenant, but ultimately not fine with the quality of the work once the checkout inspection has identified it was of poor quality. If that is the case the LL can claim for making good of the damage caused by the tenant or their guests. Whether £250 is another matter, but we can't really advise on, without at least pictures of the damage. It sounds about right for a new door + labour.

G_M

Phoenix1980 wrote: »

The damage was done by her partners brother during a mental health crisis which was attended by the police. Her partner tried his best to repair the door which was initially fine with the landlord, then he wanted it replaced which they couldn't do financially and then they were served an eviction notice. I was just enquiring as to whether they could now change their minds essentially as it hadn't been included in the final check and not mentioned further up until now.

The tenant is responsible for the damage.
The tenant may be able to claim the cost against the partners brother.
If the landlord unambiguously agreed that the repair was acceptable, he cannot change his mind.
However if his acceptance was conditional on the quality of the repair, or some other condition, then he probably has a valid claim.

Phoenix1980

Thank you. I've checked the check out report and the front door hasn't been mentioned as it was communal I assume. Along with that is the breakdown of costs that have been paid and now a receipt with outstanding money having been added.