Check-out report does not match inventory

davidlabomb

Hello - I am a residential tenant, renting from a private landlord through an estate agent. I recently ended the tenancy and moved out. The estate agent sent me the check-out report, but every entry under 'previous state' (i.e. describing the condition of items when I moved in) doesn't match the original inventory AT ALL.

For instance - In the check-out report, under fridge, it says 'Previous state - "The fridge is clean throughout, the door functions well and the seal shows no sign of mold or wear. No damage to drawers or shelves."

But in the original inventory, under fridge, it just says: "Fridge. White."

Almost comical! I have no clue where the estate agent / landlord is getting their 'previous state' comments from, and can only assume they are made up.

​​​​​​​What are my options here? Should I complain to an industry body, or go to the deposit ombudsman? Is there any way this could be an honest mistake? Is this fraud?

Many thanks  

Comms69

what have they said about the deposit? You're jumping the gun

davidlabomb

Comms69 said:

what have they said about the deposit? You're jumping the gun

The check-out report states the fridge was dirty, so I assume will want to retain some of the deposit for that. But the issue is, the 'previous state' comments are seemingly plucked from thin air. The original inventory made no mention of the cleanliness of the fridge, so the issue is them trying to justify deposit retention with those seemingly made up comments.

AdrianC

If the deposit is anything less than 100% returned, simply refer it to the arbitration scheme.

greatcrested

As said- jumping the gun. Either

1) the deposit will be returned in full in which case you walk away happy, or

2) a deduction will be proposed, you decide if it is fair, and if not you first write explaining your view and if that is not accepted you raise a deposit dispute.

Wait and see!

See also:

Post 3: Deposits: Payment, Protection and Return.

davidlabomb

greatcrested said:

As said- jumping the gun. Either

1) the deposit will be returned in full in which case you walk away happy, or

2) a deduction will be proposed, you decide if it is fair, and if not you first write explaining your view and if that is not accepted you raise a deposit dispute.

Wait and see!

See also:

Post 3: Deposits: Payment, Protection and Return.

Knowing my landlord, option 1) definitely ain't happening.
As for 2), how can any deductions be fair when they're based on fraudulent documentation?

HampshireH

davidlabomb said:

greatcrested said:

As said- jumping the gun. Either

1) the deposit will be returned in full in which case you walk away happy, or

2) a deduction will be proposed, you decide if it is fair, and if not you first write explaining your view and if that is not accepted you raise a deposit dispute.

Wait and see!

See also:

Post 3: Deposits: Payment, Protection and Return.

Knowing my landlord, option 1) definitely ain't happening.
As for 2), how can any deductions be fair when they're based on fraudulent documentation?

Because the DPS wont know that.

You submit your evidence when you dispute and when asked to do so.

They will then decide

Comms69

davidlabomb said:

greatcrested said:

As said- jumping the gun. Either

1) the deposit will be returned in full in which case you walk away happy, or

2) a deduction will be proposed, you decide if it is fair, and if not you first write explaining your view and if that is not accepted you raise a deposit dispute.

Wait and see!

See also:

Post 3: Deposits: Payment, Protection and Return.

Knowing my landlord, option 1) definitely ain't happening.
As for 2), how can any deductions be fair when they're based on fraudulent documentation?

"you decide if it is fair" - you decide. 

Deductions can be fair with zero documentation. They can be unfair with boxes of documentation. 

davidlabomb

Comms69 said:

Deductions can be fair with zero documentation. They can be unfair with boxes of documentation. 

Actually if the LL provides zero documentation / no inventory then the DPS won't let them make any deductions at all.

Comms69

davidlabomb said:

Comms69 said:

Deductions can be fair with zero documentation. They can be unfair with boxes of documentation. 

Actually if the LL provides zero documentation / no inventory then the DPS won't let them make any deductions at all.

That's not true. (it's also not what i said)

If you damage something that belongs to me, i'm perfectly entitled to ask for and accept an amount of money to settle the matter. I am not required to prove that i have carried out the work / nor am i required to prove to you that the value of the claim is correct. 

[Deleted User]

As it stands, if there are any problems you have the evidence to demonstrate, for example, the original inventory you have does not refer to cleanliness of the fridge.  Do you have emails or pictures proving the fridge was dirty when you moved in? If you do, great, if you don't, you will have the same problem the LL will have.  It does not mean they are being fraudulent.., waste of time being so emotive.., just gather your evidence IF deductions are made from the deposit that you think are unfair, being careful yourself to be fair and accurate.  Hopefully with evidence to back what you say.