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Under what circumstances can landlords claim costs in excess of the deposit?
Connoisseurus_Rex
Posts: 45 Forumite
Currently dealing with a difficult landlord who is claiming I owe him rent post-tenancy because the property wasn't spotless which delayed them being able to rent out the property.
Considering there was no tenant lined up to move in (not a single viewing while I was still living at the property), it seems disingenuous to claim I prevented the property being re-let when the landlord refused to carry out his duties. My understanding is that if the property is in an unsatisfactory condition (not professionally cleaned) at the end of the tenancy, the landlord can simply get the property cleaned and claim reasonable costs back from the deposit via TDS.
From what I've read, you could be liable in extreme cases (property trashed or filled with bulky furniture that requires removal). My position is that I'm owed back my deposit minus reasonable cleaning fees, am I wrong?
Considering there was no tenant lined up to move in (not a single viewing while I was still living at the property), it seems disingenuous to claim I prevented the property being re-let when the landlord refused to carry out his duties. My understanding is that if the property is in an unsatisfactory condition (not professionally cleaned) at the end of the tenancy, the landlord can simply get the property cleaned and claim reasonable costs back from the deposit via TDS.
From what I've read, you could be liable in extreme cases (property trashed or filled with bulky furniture that requires removal). My position is that I'm owed back my deposit minus reasonable cleaning fees, am I wrong?
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Comments
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It will depend on what the reasonable cleaning fees are, but your position is reasonable. You are owed your deposit back, less reasonable cleaning fees and for any damage that is beyond what is expected (landlords aren't allowed to charge for reasonable wear and tear).The comments I post are my personal opinion. While I try to check everything is correct before posting, I can and do make mistakes, so always try to check official information sources before relying on my posts.0
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You are owned full deposit. Consult deposit scheme for refund.
Have you got photos of every space showing it was clean? If so, landlord has no case and is simply chanceing it. You are not liable for anything else. Stop comunicating with ex landlord and deal only with deposit scheme.0 -
Send it to the deposit adjudication and let them make the decision as its on the landlord to prove any deductions are justified and proportionate if you can't agree between yourselves.0
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Can the landlord prove that the place is in worse condition than at the outset of the tenancy? Is there an inventory, are there photos?0
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So did you clean the property before you left?Connoisseurus_Rex said:Currently dealing with a difficult landlord who is claiming I owe him rent post-tenancy because the property wasn't spotless which delayed them being able to rent out the property.
Considering there was no tenant lined up to move in (not a single viewing while I was still living at the property), it seems disingenuous to claim I prevented the property being re-let when the landlord refused to carry out his duties. My understanding is that if the property is in an unsatisfactory condition (not professionally cleaned) at the end of the tenancy, the landlord can simply get the property cleaned and claim reasonable costs back from the deposit via TDS.
From what I've read, you could be liable in extreme cases (property trashed or filled with bulky furniture that requires removal). My position is that I'm owed back my deposit minus reasonable cleaning fees, am I wrong?
If you didn't then yes you claim the deposit back less a cleaning fee.
No viewings doesn't mean no letting.
If you left the property in a dire state requiring far more than a deep clean then in theory yes the LL could try and claim any additional costs. It will depend if they can prove the condition of the property when you moved out.Should've = Should HAVE (not 'of')
Would've = Would HAVE (not 'of')
No, I am not perfect, but yes I do judge people on their use of basic English language. If you didn't know the above, then learn it! (If English is your second language, then you are forgiven!)0
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