but i don't, and they asked for it back, can they do that?!

Thanks for the reply, The deposit is protected by TDSL. I can't remember what the invetory said, but am concerned that 'carpet clean' or 'carpet not marked' might appear on it between now and me seeing it again!!

Hi all, first post, so be gentle with me My girlfriend and I have just moved out of the flat we have been renting for the last 6 months or so. Today, I received a call from the agents saying that they are withholding the deposit due to 'a mark on the carpet'. We have not caused this mark, we are sure of that, however the photos we took when viewing the property do not include the area in question. On pressing the agents, they said the mark was 'a lighter area, like someone had spilt something and cleaned the area'. I stated that we had not caused the mark, and that I would like to arrange a meeting to discuss the issue, at the flat, so that we could view the mark. I have a few questions that I would be grateful for answers to. If the mark is indeed 'lighter' I think it is possible that a previous tenant has just got this bit of carpet much cleaner than the rest - is this reasonable? My girlfriend took the keys in to the agents when we moved out, because they wanted to show someone round, we had moved out, and were unable to attend. When she took the keys in in she was asked to return our copy of the inventory, which she unfortunately did. This means that due to their request, I have no copy of the invetory as it was signed when we moved in - is this fair? They have not mentioned what sort of figure they intend to finally withhold yet, what would be reasonable? If they were to clean the rest of the carpet, to match the 'clean' mark, I suspect it would cost around £50. The carpet would then be cleaner than when we moved in! When I visit the flat, I plan to compare the 'mark' with some carpet that was under the bed, or in the built in wardrobes etc, and therefore, one could reasonably assume, un used and clean. If the two areas are the same, would I be reasonable in objecting to their claim? Everyone expects a carpet to get darker due to wear and tear (without cleaning), how do i stand when 'wear and tear' has been due to actually cleaning the carpet?! Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Luke