Leaving a Rented Property - Minor Damage to Ceramic Hob

Rustyred666

Hi all, 
I've just recently moved out of a rented property that I was in for three years. The new tenant who's took it over has complained about the state of the ceramic hob. There are two chips in it, one along the edge and another tiny one on it's surface (to call it a chip seems a little excessive). My ex landlord is now asking me to contribute to it's replacement by not returning my full deposit (they're currently asking for me to contribute £65 plus half the fitting cost) . The hob is in good condition other than the chips, works absolutely fine, and wasn't new when I moved in. Everything else in the property is in good condition and I've even left some white goods behind to help the new tenant out (an iron and flatscreen TV). What are people's opinions? 

Wkmg

I must say, as a layperson that doesn’t look like wear and tear to me. It looks like you’ve been a bit careless and were slamming things down on it.           

[Deleted User]

The second one looks like a bit more than a chip.  The first one is dangerous.  It doesn't look like care has been used cleaning it either.  But not sure you should be paying half installation costs.  Ask for all your deposit back via the dispute service, with photos showing it wasn't new when you moved in.  This might not reduce the bill as much as you are hoping.  I have had a glass hob for a couple of years, with careful cleaning it looks as it did when purchased.  

You leaving an iron and a tv (not actually white goods) has no effect whatsoever.  Unless you can show it was by agreement, you could be charged for leaving items behind!

greatcrested

Did the landlord do a check-out inspection when you left and before the new tenant moved in?

If yes, what did it show regarding the hob?

If not, who is to say whether you caused the damage, or the new tenant when they moved in? Or indeed the LL in between?

Raise a dispute via the depoisit scheme.

Silly landlord (I suspect).

Post 3: Deposits: Payment, Protection and Return.

Rustyred666

The hob surface never looked in great condition to start with tbh. Unfortunately, I have no photos from when I took the property over. I've done some minor bits and pieces on the place as part of it's upkeep while I was tenant there. I also have it in writing the they were happy with the state and condition of the flat and it's contents after I left. This his arisen as the new tenant isn't happy with the hob. 

Grumpy_chap

Was a professional check in check out company used?

Rustyred666

No, just herself. She queried one chip (the one on the edge of the hob) but I replied that I couldn't remember how long it had been there. When I've asked she said the hob is five year old with at least one previous tenant before myself). Thankfully I have the text chain saying that she was okay with the conditions I'd left the property in. This had only started after the new tenant has moved in. I think if she'd said something on the checkout then I would have been happy to contribute. 

Jeepers_Creepers

ThatRustyred666 said:

No, just herself. She queried one chip (the one on the edge of the hob) but I replied that I couldn't remember how long it had been there. When I've asked she said the hob is five year old with at least one previous tenant before myself). Thankfully I have the text chain saying that she was okay with the conditions I'd left the property in. This had only started after the new tenant has moved in. I think if she'd said something on the checkout then I would have been happy to contribute. 

That's an interesting detail - the LL accepted the condition you left the property in? As far as I can see, that's you home safe and dry - I cannot see them succeeding in holding any of the deposit back now. 

The new tenant has nothing to do with you; they need to agree on the condition of items with the LL like anyone else. If that larger chip is just a cosmetic issue, then it's purely up to the LL whether to get the house absolutely spanking for them again. If it's a potential hazard - eg whether it makes the glass top more liable to shattering (I've no idea if it does), then I guess the LL will have no option but to replace it. However, the LL has accepted the condition you have left the house in, so they are stuffed (that's a legal term). 

A connected issue - will you need a reference from the LL?! If so, I guess they could legitimately state that you did cause some damage that you didn't own up to?

In general, tho', if you get away with this, then you have done just that - gotten away with it. It isn't normal wear - it is accidental damage. 

snowcat75

Iv known ceramic hobs to look immaculate at 20 years old, so there's no way at just 5 that could be described as fair wear and tear..... Its clearly lack of care.

Leaving unwanted items (or landfill) only really benefits yourself, and isn't a distraction from the issue in hand.

Irritating damage and carelessness  is just one more reason I decided to pack up being a LL.

[Deleted User]

While I stated earlier that it probably wouldn't come out the way you wanted if you asked for return of all your deposit through the dispute process, if the LL said the property was ok, and it can't be proved the damage occurred while you were resident (if the LL doesn't have pictures of the hob before you moved in), the LL probably won't get the costs she is asking for. But no guarantee of this, its just the way it should go.

seven-day-weekend

I don't think that is 'minor damage' and as a landlord I would have deducted the price of a replacement hob from your deposit if you had caused the damage.

However, I would KNOW if you had caused the damage because I would have had a proper checking-in inventory to compare with when checking out.

If the Landlord has said in writing that  they accept that the property was OK, there is probably not a lot they can do and  I think you should be able to get your deposit back.