Vacating the property - rotten bathroom panel and signs of wear and tear on the electric hob

aleksandramcr

Hi, I'm due to vacate my current rental property next week. It's the first time I've rented a flat through an agency and I'd like to prepare for an eventual deposit dispute and make sure I'll get my money back, or at least most of the amount I paid. 
We've taken great care of the property in general, but unfortunately there are two things which will possibly cause a dispute. 
I wonder if anybody could offer some advice regarding: 
a) a sign of use on electric hob, which was brand new when we moved in: 

The kitchen is yet to be cleaned throughly but just to give you the idea, we're talking about the one on the lower left handside. 
This is the only part which seems to be scratched/burnt? It won't come off no mater what I'm cleaning it with. The other three hobs are perfectly fine. 
Can this be classified as wear and tear or does it seem to be misuse to you? We've not done anything other than using this one the most. 
b) stained bathroom panel 

Stupidly, we placed two plastic containers on the bathroom panel (right next to the bath) and it seems to have caused the panel to rot. 
Do you happen to know where I can source a piece of such panel, so that we can replace it? 
Other than that, could you please let me know what else I should look out for to make sure I get my deposit back? 
Thank you

Jeepers_Creepers

Really hard to tell how bad these issues are. How long were you in the property for?

In general, tho', they appear to me to be fair wear and not damage. The LL will expect all these items to deteriorate slowly over the years until there comes a point they'll need replacing; you cannot possibly keep items which have regular normal use in perfect, as new, condition.  

Have you tried specialist ceramic hob cleaners? They are more abrasive, but should 'polish' out burnt debris and light scratches. Try and avoid any 'print' on the hob, tho', as you don't want that worn off...

That bath panel certainly shouldn't 'rot'! I really can't make out what's happened to it or how 'bad' it may be, but if you used it the way it should have been - and placing 'plastic containers' on it sounds normal to me - then it shouldn't have stained.  

I suspect you are being super-critical. 

Don't forget your deposit is protected, so if the LL tries to withhold an unreasonable amount, you can challenge them. He cannot charge for reasonable wear and tear. For example, carpets and floor coverings will wear slowly over the years - they cannot charge for this. At some point a carpet will become threadbare - he cannot blame the current tenant! 

Normal wear and tear, no, accidental damage, yes.

matthew91822

Had very similar in my flat I rented for 4 years. I was the first tenant and had a brand new spotless hob and was quite scratched by the time I moved out. Was put down to normal wear and tear and received full deposit. From the picture I can't see anything wrong with the bathroom. Probably normal wear and tear as well.
Just take lots of pitures of absolutely everything and preferably a video before you move out. As long as your deposit is in some protection scheme even if they try to claim and you despute it goes through a third party.

DiamondLil

Hob Brite will restore the hob unless it's scratches you are dealing with.  You can get it here amongst other places. https://www.therange.co.uk/household/cleaning/cleaning-products/multi-purpose-cleaners/hob-bright-hob-cleaner/#374290

Slinky

Try getting one of these, used carefully it will lift off the last layer of film that can sometimes stay behind even after you've used Hob Brite.

moneysavinghero

Have you tried a magic sponge on the hob?

aleksandramcr

Thanks all! 
I've tried a few products on the hob, but I need to give Hob Bright a go and see what happens! 
With the hob, I do feel like it can be classified as wear and tear (especially with the other three hobs being spotless) 
We've lived in this flat for a year and these are the only two things I can think of when I prepare for an eventual deposit dispute. 
I will definitely try and challenge the landlord/ appeal to the right body if an unreasonable amount is expected. 
Thank you! 

[Deleted User]

I have a hob I am sooooo proud about lol.  I have found putting white vinegar on a paper towel often dissolves stains (you can get white vinegar in Asda for about 40p).  Or I use Unika gloss surface cleaner.  Bought it for my nice gloss cupboard doors but it also has removed grime from my ceramic hob without scratching as well.  I don't go near it with Hob brite as it can be abrasive. Like I said, I am a bit proud of my hob ha ha.