Letting agents retaining deposit

[shieldblaster]

Hi

 

We recently left a rented property that we had for the past 2 years approx. The deposit is held in a TDS and the letting agent/landlord has just advised us that they are retaining the deposit.

 

Whilst I accept that there has been some damage because i have 4 teenage daughters so pretty unaviodable I would like to find out where I stand and what I do regards the dilapadation list I have been given.

 

First thing that I would like to ask is that I was never invited to the check out, this took place between the LA and the LL and I wonder if there is a requirement that the tenant should be invited?

 

Secondly, the list I have been provided with is as follows ( with my observations):

 

1. Property needs cleaning not left in satisfactory condition. (pretty ambiguous..my wife and 4 daughters spent all day cleaning the place so what specifically needs cleaning?)

 

2. Decor in front room damaged (Accepted..there was approx 6" x 6" of wallpaper damaged by computer chair)

 

3. Bed left in bedroom (Accepted..this was a fairly new bed and we assumed the LL might be able to make use of it rather than dump it..obviously not the case)

 

4. Carpet from loft left in outside store needs cleaning in order to reinstate (Carpet was in very poor condition in the first place that was the reason it was replaced)

 

5. Several holes in brickwork to accom additional aerial cables - brickwork needs repointing ( I ahd these professionally fitted and to be honest I would have thought the LL would want to keep them - not the case however but how much brickwork needs repointing? )

 

6. Glass to bathroom needs replacing (Accepted)

 

It goes on to say that quotes are being arranged for the work required. My questions are as follows:

 

I am a builder by trade so could do most of the things required.

I can easily get rid of the bed in my own van.

Why should I pay for a carpet to be cleaned that was in a poor condition in the first place?

Should I now formulate a letter to the letting agents stating all of the above?

What are the procedures for this when the deposit is held in a TDS, are there timescales involved for the LA to get quotes etc and for me to reply to them?

 

I would be happy for any comments, observations,criticisms that anyone has. I just hope it all makes sense

[Planner]

Hi

 

I am a builder by trade so could do most of the things required.They should have been done before you left the property. The landlord has no obligation to let you return to correct matters yourself (although they may do if you ask).

 

I can easily get rid of the bed in my own van. You should have confirmed that they wanted the bed before leaving it and if they didnt, removed it before you returned the property. You could offer to remove it but they dont have to accept.

Why should I pay for a carpet to be cleaned that was in a poor condition in the first place? Did you get permission to remove it?

Should I now formulate a letter to the letting agents stating all of the above? You can offer your services of course. I notethat you accept responsibility for the majority of the items anyway.

What are the procedures for this when the deposit is held in a TDS, are there timescales involved for the LA to get quotes etc and for me to reply to them? Log on to the relevant TDS website and have a look at submitting a dispute. While I doubt you will win a dispute on any of the items listed, you may get the costs to rectify reduced.

 

I would be happy for any comments, observations,criticisms that anyone has. I just hope it all makes sense

 

Good luck!!

[shieldblaster]

Thanks Planner