Can a ll start renovation whilst we are still tenants?

ayupmeduck

So our tenancy ends on 24/02/2025 but we moved out a few weeks ago and go back to collect things, clean etc.

We initially got asked if someone could go round to value the property for sale, then we were asked if someone could go round to see what works needed doing before butting it back up to rent. We handed over 1 set of keys and someone went in last Thursday/Friday.

At this point we still had things in there and still needed to clean. We get a phone call yesterday to arrange viewings this coming Saturday, fine no problem they have keys. 

We went round this evening to collect more things/clean etc to find that all carpets had been ripped up, things had been thrown away, and our tools had been used!

We have never once been asked if they could start any work. We got an email today saying as it appears we have already moved out, the landlord will refund any rent for the rest of the month if we move out this week. They also want us to clean the property!

We're been in the property 9.5 years, it needs a complete renovation, carpets in EVERY room, plaster falling off walls, bad windows etc, nothing done unless they legally had to. We don't expect our deposit back.

So should the ll have started renovations before we had officially left? 

bobster2

ayupmeduck said:

We're been in the property 9.5 years, it needs a complete renovation, carpets in EVERY room, plaster falling off walls, bad windows etc, nothing done unless they legally had to. We don't expect our deposit back.

Why don't you expect your deposit back?

pinkshoes

ayupmeduck said:

So our tenancy ends on 24/02/2025 but we moved out a few weeks ago and go back to collect things, clean etc.

We initially got asked if someone could go round to value the property for sale, then we were asked if someone could go round to see what works needed doing before butting it back up to rent. We handed over 1 set of keys and someone went in last Thursday/Friday.

At this point we still had things in there and still needed to clean. We get a phone call yesterday to arrange viewings this coming Saturday, fine no problem they have keys. 

We went round this evening to collect more things/clean etc to find that all carpets had been ripped up, things had been thrown away, and our tools had been used!

We have never once been asked if they could start any work. We got an email today saying as it appears we have already moved out, the landlord will refund any rent for the rest of the month if we move out this week. They also want us to clean the property!

We're been in the property 9.5 years, it needs a complete renovation, carpets in EVERY room, plaster falling off walls, bad windows etc, nothing done unless they legally had to. We don't expect our deposit back.

So should the ll have started renovations before we had officially left? 

I would be expecting your FULL deposit back after 9.5 years as everything you list is all wear and tear.

And as the LL has made the house inhabitable by ripping up the carpets, then your tenancy should be ended with immediate effect and the last two weeks refunded. 

As for cleaning, you could quite easily argue that as they created lots of dust ripping carpets up, then cleaning would be cleaning up the mess they have made. 

What did they throw away? Anything of yours?

I hope you took photos showing that they've made the property inhabitable. 

Grumpy_chap

Strictly the LL cannot start renovations while you are still Tenanted, whether you moved out or not.
Given the LL has, what is done is done, are you able to remove your possessions and simply not pay the final rent as suggested by the LL?
The LL is incorrect, but what more can you really do?  You did not need to give the LL the key if you were not happy with people attending the property.
In my view, you should get the deposit back after nine years as the place will need a full refurb and anything (unless there was exceptional / malicious damage) would be simply wear and tear.

ayupmeduck

pinkshoes said:

ayupmeduck said:

So our tenancy ends on 24/02/2025 but we moved out a few weeks ago and go back to collect things, clean etc.

We initially got asked if someone could go round to value the property for sale, then we were asked if someone could go round to see what works needed doing before butting it back up to rent. We handed over 1 set of keys and someone went in last Thursday/Friday.

At this point we still had things in there and still needed to clean. We get a phone call yesterday to arrange viewings this coming Saturday, fine no problem they have keys. 

We went round this evening to collect more things/clean etc to find that all carpets had been ripped up, things had been thrown away, and our tools had been used!

We have never once been asked if they could start any work. We got an email today saying as it appears we have already moved out, the landlord will refund any rent for the rest of the month if we move out this week. They also want us to clean the property!

We're been in the property 9.5 years, it needs a complete renovation, carpets in EVERY room, plaster falling off walls, bad windows etc, nothing done unless they legally had to. We don't expect our deposit back.

So should the ll have started renovations before we had officially left? 

I would be expecting your FULL deposit back after 9.5 years as everything you list is all wear and tear.

And as the LL has made the house inhabitable by ripping up the carpets, then your tenancy should be ended with immediate effect and the last two weeks refunded. 

As for cleaning, you could quite easily argue that as they created lots of dust ripping carpets up, then cleaning would be cleaning up the mess they have made. 

What did they throw away? Anything of yours?

I hope you took photos showing that they've made the property inhabitable. 

yes we took photos today, just some empty bottles were thrown away, nothing worth anything.

We just never expected our deposit back, yes they have said that if we official give notice/leave this week then they will refund the rest of the rent. 

I think the fact they went in moved things, uses our tools to remove the carpets etc that has pxxxed us of. 

I shall be applying for the deposit the last day of tenancy and see how it goes. 

anselld

You are not giving notice.  Get the Landlord to agree to”early surrender” in exchange for the partial rent refund.  Get it in writing.
Once you have the rent refund apply for the deposit.

saajan_12

ayupmeduck said:

So should the ll have started renovations before we had officially left? 

No, it means you don't have quiet enjoyment of the property. Your remedy would be to force them to cease works. However there would be no comeback for what has happened already, so while absolutely ridiculous and annoying, it probably doesn't actually affect you. 

ayupmeduck said:

We have never once been asked if they could start any work. We got an email today saying as it appears we have already moved out, the landlord will refund any rent for the rest of the month if we move out this week. They also want us to clean the property!

However this probably lands you in a more favourable position than you would otherwise.. 
- could get back a couple of weeks rent given they've already offered it
- could try to agree a formal end to the tenancy for now, and hence cut 2 weeks off the council tax and utility standing charges
- could argue you shouldn't have to clean given half the mess is due to their works. 

There will have been a small cost from the electricity they used and any wear on your personal tools they used, but the above benefits outweight that 10x

FreeBear

saajan_12 said:

ayupmeduck said:

We have never once been asked if they could start any work. We got an email today saying as it appears we have already moved out, the landlord will refund any rent for the rest of the month if we move out this week. They also want us to clean the property!

However this probably lands you in a more favourable position than you would otherwise..

And no prospect of doing a proper checkout inventory now.

ayupmeduck

please ignore