Landlord repairs after tennant exit and proof

[StuzaTheGreat]

Hi Guys

We've just left a property early as a BIG favour to our now ex-landlord. Having done this for him we asked our agent to get a cleaner in for us in the last couple of days before the agreement ended - she did not.

Now the landlord has gone round and (justifiably) arranged for his own cleaners. Now, my problem is that I don't know how to get him to prove the real cost of a cleaning the property - its a 3 bedroom detached house - and if I'm being ripped off or not?

Also, the carpet in the room where we had the pool table was in a very stained state when we moved in. On top of this, with the landlords permission, we then got a dog which had muddy paws. Now, my question is, how do we go about aportioning any costs for cleaning/replacing the carpet? It absolutley needs a clean of this I agree but, I think he is going to try and blag a new carpet out of it and try to stiff me for the full cost which I will not pay.

Finaly, the property had Sky installed but only in one room. We had another box which we used so needed it upgraded to a quad LNB and thus, two more holes in the wall in the other room. Can he charge us for the repairs to this and again, how does he prove that he's not ripping me off with his mate "bob" from down the pub doing the repairs?

I need to point out that the landlord is just going ahead with all this work without discussing any of it with me. I have no clue as to whats happening! What are his responsibilities? Should all work be agreed in advance or can he "just do it"?


Thanks for your help guys!

[RentedAndRankled]

You need to ask for copies of invoices from the people or companies who have done the work. If any of them seem high you should 'phone other companies and ask for estimates as to how much the work should cost.

[StuzaTheGreat]

TBH i'm more concerned now that he seams to of gone ahead (without a joint exit inventory or agreement on what needs to be done) with work. I have absolutley no idea whats going on. He says the bill will be with me by the end of this week!

Is this legal??? Can he just do this???

I have the feeling im being shafted on a royal scale.

p.s. to note: I refused to sign the entry inventory as he would not accept my opinion on the carpet (which is also backed up by the letting agent)

[RentedAndRankled]

If the work needs to be done in order to make the property fit for another tennat then he can go ahead and get the work done.

Whether or not you are liable for the work is a whole different ball game which, if your deposit was in a TDS, it will most likley be up to the TDS arbitration scheme to decide, and if it was not it may well end up in court if neither of you is willing to compromise.

[StuzaTheGreat]

AHh that I understand. What worries me is that there may of been nothing wrong (take the curtains that he says need cleaning for example) but as he is getting them cleaned i'm going to have to pay!

SO the question is, can he do all this without an exit inventory agreed by us both or and independant?

[RentedAndRankled]

You only have to pay if he can proove that they are damage beyond normally expected wear and tear, or you agreed to have the work done.

It will be up to you and the LL to come to an agreeable arangement (make sure it's in writing), but unless he can show that you have damaged things beyond normal wear and tear then it is very unlikley he can force you to pay.