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Getting deposit back from landlord

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Fee_B77 | 10:19 Fri 01st Jun 2007 | Law
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I have just moved out of my rented accomodation. My landlord has deducted �110 out of my deposit for replacement of bedroom carpets (they didn't need replacing, I'd been there 3 years and shampood them before I left). She's also charging me for gardening, cleaning (the house was spotless also) and removing items I left. The items I left were for the next tenants who had agreed and paid for the items to be left there. This was explaned to the landlady and she was more than happy with that.

Where do I stand with disputing the return of the deposit?

It's completely out of order. She never mentioned new carpets or redecorating when I left. The house has fair wear and tear as stated on the tenancy agreement and she's penalising me for having to redecorate.

I appreciate your time. Sorry to ramble. I'm a tad annoyed!!

Cheeers

Fee
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Ok, the first question is did you sign an inventory when you moved in? And again when you moved out? What does the inventory say about the condition of the carpet etc when you moved out compared with when you moved in?

Without an inventory, and a detailed one at that, it's very difficult for the landlord to make any deductions at all.

After 3 years in the property there would have to be a significant amount allowed for fair wear and tear anyway so the landlord wouldnt be allowed to claim the cost of new carpets.

As to the cleaning, people's idea of 'spotless' does vary. Again, you would have to refer to the inventory to see what's been said.

My first reaction would be to ask the landlord to provide copies of the receipts for the �110 that they have spent - they have to provide these. Tell them you are not happy about the deductions and see what they come back with.

Its unusual however for there to be no damage to a property and you should expect to maybe have to pay something, though new carpets are maybe a bit over the top unless you have damaged them.

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Hi there
Thanks for your reply, really do appreciate your comments. There was no inventory to speak of when I moved in. She didn't come round before I left although she did visit when showing new tenants round and said she was more than happy with it. The house was absolutely gleaming. I even washed down the skirting boards)

There really wasn't any damage to her property. The walls were marked (fair wear and tear I'd say) and the carpets had furniture marks on them as they did when I moved in. She simply didn't want to redecorate and seems to be deducting money from MY deposit because the next tenants let her down. As it was a private let and not through an agency it seems I don't have a leg to stand on.

Seems so unfair. I took great care of her property, paid her on time every month and scrubbed it clean before I left.

People wonder why we get more bitter and cynical with age!!
Id fight it. Unless she took pictures before she rented it, she cant prove it. Go to citizens advice and see if you are able to fight this on your own as it might just end up not being worth it,
i'd ask her for the receipts and then tell me where she got carpets, cleaners and gardeners and removal people all for 110 pounds!
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The most annoying thing is that I received a txt from her on the day she went to the house (after I'd moved out) saying " cheque for full amount on its way". Then three days later because the new tenants have pulled out and she HAS to decorate she's taking it out on me. She didn't want to redecorate the house and my furniture obviously made it look ok. Now the house is empty and it's magnolia throughout she's having to put her hand in her pocket and not liking it so she's putting her hand in mine. I'm far from amused!!

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