Tricky Final Inspection on Rental Property

Gazzzzzer123

Hi all

just some thoughts on this one please.
After 3 and a half years I have handed in my notice to my LL (also someone I work with) 
The LL accepted it and mentioned she will be in touch about the final inspection.

My concern is the final inspection, on the basis there was no inspection when I moved in, no pics taken etc. Just a very brief contract was signed.

My LL seems to have short memory on things we agreed, such as being allowed to decorate (nothing in the contract states i need to decorate when i move out etc)

Can I refuse the final inspection? There's no damage from my end etc, but i am worried due to the age of the house and wear and tear prior to me moving in. I might get the blame.

theartfullodger

Assuming LL lives somewhere else.

If no inspection or photos when you moved in (yiu didn't bother either?) then if/when landlord tries to dispute over deductions with deposit scheme they will v likely lose .
.
Try and agree fair deductions with LL, if cannot go to dispute process 

Albermarle

 there was no inspection when I moved in, no pics taken etc.

It is a standard recommendation for all new tenants to take lots of pictures as soon as they move in, So next time.....

saajan_12

Gazzzzzer123 said:

Hi all

just some thoughts on this one please.
After 3 and a half years I have handed in my notice to my LL (also someone I work with) 
The LL accepted it and mentioned she will be in touch about the final inspection.

My concern is the final inspection, on the basis there was no inspection when I moved in, no pics taken etc. Just a very brief contract was signed. - that doesn't mean the LL has no proof of the condition from immediately before you moved in, eg from pictures, video, receipts for items being new / fixed. There might be some dispute on the legitimacy of this proof if you never saw and agreed at the time , but it's not a guarantee.

My LL seems to have short memory on things we agreed, such as being allowed to decorate (nothing in the contract states i need to decorate when i move out etc) - well why rely on memory, did you decorate without written permission? Yes contracts rarely require you to decorate upon leaving (in fact they can't if the only change to the decoration is fair wear & tear), but they also rarely allow to to decorate in colours of your choice. To vary that it should be in writing. If not, you might be considered in breach and the remedy might be the (depreciated) cost of redecorating back to the original colours. 

Can I refuse the final inspection? There's no damage from my end etc, but i am worried due to the age of the house and wear and tear prior to me moving in. I might get the blame. - there's nothing for you to accept/ reject with a final inspection, its at the LL's assessment of the condition upon move out. You're just invited to attend - if you don't, it'll just go ahead without you. 

Comments in line, but in what way would you be able to unilaterally decide no final inspection and no damage claims? 

The property goes fully back to the LL after you move out and they would assess any damages whether you are there or not. If they raise any as being down to you, then the process is either you mutually agree or it goes to the deposit scheme to arbitrate. 

No initial inspection that's signed by you might make you more likely to win, but not guaranteed. 

propertyrental

Exactly how do you propose to refuse a final inspection? It's normal for the LL to wait for the tenancy to end and the tenant move out (otherwise obviously the T could cause damage after the inspection) and then inspect.

But for the LL to make legitimate deductions from your deposit he must show not just that the propwrty is dirty, or items are missing or broken, but that the property was not as dirty at the start and the items existed and were working.

A check-in inventory is the usual way to compare, but it's not the only way.