Moving out of a rented property after 15 years - what condition should I leave it in?

PRAISETHESUN

Bare minimum is the same condition you that it was in originally, less 15 years worth of wear and tear. If the carpets and walls haven't been replaced/repainted during the time you have been living there then if push came to shove and it was disputed, I suspect they would be valued very little and wouldn't be worth more than the cleaning costs involved. Might be worthwhile having a chat with the LL to see what they expect, but I'd clean up the obvious bits and leave the rest. It's not your responsibility to redecorate or undertake big maintenance issues like the shower, especially when it's based on normal wear and tear.

theartfullodger

Doesn't matter what landlord "expects".  Legally it should be returned, as was, less wear & tear.  That's all.  I've been a landlord for over 20 years, if any tenant left after 15 years I'd thank them very much for being great tenants and not expect any charges to be made by me - unless obvious, serious, damage.  


Clearly wear 'n tear worse for 5 people family with 3 Rottweilers than one little old person.

After 15 years I'd expect to have to re-carpet & decorate, new furniture etc etc..at my expense.

ach45

Many thanks, everyone, for your insight and suggestions 

Murphybear

Herzlos said:

Check with your landlord in writing what they expect. If they are planning on ripping it all out anyway they may not mind if the carpet is a bit grubby.

Very true.  We had a 3 bedroom house which was a bit tatty but low rent.  When we gave notice the landlord came round for a chat (the agent was a good friend, this was the first time we had met him).  He said he was going to do it up so it didn’t matter how we left it.  We didn’t have even vacuum the carpets.  

According to our agent friend he gutted the place, did it up to a good standard and nearly doubled the rent 

Murphybear

theartfullodger said:

Doesn't matter what landlord "expects".  Legally it should be returned, as was, less wear & tear.  That's all.  I've been a landlord for over 20 years, if any tenant left after 15 years I'd thank them very much for being great tenants and not expect any charges to be made by me - unless obvious, serious, damage.  


Clearly wear 'n tear worse for 5 people family with 3 Rottweilers than one little old person.

After 15 years I'd expect to have to re-carpet & decorate, new furniture etc etc..at my expense.

We had a corporate landlord and asked if the new tenant could have a dog.  The answer was yes and so they got 2 Rottweilers . When we did a routine inspection the house was not in a good condition .  The corporate LL wasn’t that worried, they had plenty of money