Good point, thank you. Hopefully we'll be able to resolve things sooner rather than later, and that won't be necessary.

Thanks for excellent reply. To clarify a few points. The deposit is held by the agent, so there's no problem. From what I've gleaned, the property was new in 2006 and hasn't been re-decorated since, so it's getting on four years since it was first decorated. In any case, judging by your comments sticking to £250 seems fair. Thanks

So I've recently moved out of a two bed flat, which was part-managed. When we moved out we paid for professional cleaners, and professional carpet cleaning at reasonable expense. In the check-out report, under Decor it listed: with the following action required Now it seems that the landlord and I got crossed wires at some point, as he said he was "considering" re-decorating upon inspection. However, in the belief he was going to do so and had planned to do so all along, we made no attempt at improving rub marks on walls prior to moving out. He has since had it re-decorated, and wants to deduct £500 (the full cost) from the deposit. As the original report listed "light markings" in several places, re-decorating the flat would (in my book) qualify as an improvement on its original condition. Out of courtesy we offered half (£250), but he wants £350 due to a missing light bulb and a power socket that needed replacing. Frankly I think we were overly generous in offering anything, but I feel I need further guidance on what my stance ought to be on this. Thanks in advance.