Advice Please

[hev106]

Hi, I am asking this question on behalf of my daughter who is due to move from her rented accommodation on 15 Dec 07. She has been in the property for just over 2yrs (26 mths to be precise) and initially signed a 6 mth agreement and has remained I guess by default at the property. Main reasons behind moving out is cheaper rent (her current landlord/lady increased rent by £50 with one mths notice which is quite a considerable amount in one hit equted to 15% rise). No inventory was ever done, however, first night in the property she found the oven and grill were in a disgusting state, so had to claen it all before she could use it. Landlords aware that it was my daughter, her partner and 2yr old toddler, on benefits and smokers! That aside, all went good for a couple of months until one day my daughter opened one of the raised kitchen cupboards which then fell off the wall, luckily cupboard didnt contain heavy items. Discovered then that a bit of a bodge job had been done with kitchen fittings as walls are only stud walls and cupboard had never been secured properly in first place. Not a problem this time, landlord came for an inspection visit, told about cupboard and rehung it (still not sure its done properly but hey ho). Couple of months later, blinds at window in toddlers bedroom fell down whilst closing them almost striking the toddler. Daughter has left them down, as neither she or partner are diy minded, then again, why should they sort out the landlords dogy handiwork! Cheap picket fence round front garden continually knocked down by local children riding bikes, daughter removed as was continually trying to repair/replace fence only to get it smashed again, she did advise landlord of this, response from landlord was cant you stand in window with a camera and find the kids doing it and speak to parents! Now given that my daughter will clean the property when she moves out including a spot of redecorating (toddlers hands do get everywhere) would the landlord/lady be able to claim for replacing the cheap fencing even though its not my daughters fault (cost £5 to buy in the local pound shop initially), charge for the fallen down blind and/or cupboard? How long also should she have to wait to get her deposit back (I know personally my landlady returned mine within 10 days) given that this will have to be paid back to me as I will be covering their deposit in the new place as well as first months rent (bank of mum again!) until HB kicks in and they rejiggle the figures as her partner is now working. Apologies for the long post and hopefully it makes sense!?

 

Hev

[Ed999]

Read this thread: http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/landlords-tenants/117572-unfair-deposit-deductions.html

[hev106]

Ed999

 

Many thanks for the link, I had read this thread, but initially thought it referred only to those taking up tenancies after the implementation of the Deposit Scheme. Having now re-read it, or at least read it when I wasnt tired!, I can see exactly what it says, and have noted it and placed it away safe and secure. Next Saturday 15th is D Day so will be interesting to see what the landlord/lady comes up with........................I do know my daughter intends to paint before she leaves so will actually 'improve' the place herself, after all it was her kids who put fingerprints and scratches on the walls, but hey I guess thats what toddlers do! She is getting in a carpet cleaning co to do the stair/landing carpets (the rest is laminated) but then again, why do landlords insist in putting down light beige carpets on main thoroughfares is beyond my comprehension! Many thanks for pointing me in the right direction and I will keep you posted!

 

Hev