DPS Claim - Can anyone offer advice!

[the_freedom_trail]

Hi everyone,

 

My gf and I are at the stage of the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process where we have to provide the DPS our 'tenants' evidence. So far, the landlord has submitted her defence and is arguing that we should pay for the cleaning of the oven (which occurred when we attempted to clean the oven before we vacated the property. We accidentially spilt a drop of degreaser in between the glass panel of the oven door) Without enough time to clean it up, the landlord is intending to claim £25 for the cost of cleaning it up.

 

Does this seem a fair cost or not? Surely, it wouldn't take too long for the landlord to do it themself ...just unscrew a few bolts & cleaned up in no time! Also, is it at the discretion of the landlord to choose whether to employ a contractor to do the work or not? (as you would expect a contractor to cost far more)

 

Any ideas on how we could get around this as it was not intentional! Cheers.

 

the_freedom_trail

[Emma1973]

Its not always as simple as that! The LL has to take the time out of the rest of the day, and travel there and back. He may have tenants waiting to go in there and they cant before he cleans the oven, so that wastes money, etc.

He might have to get a contractor to do it because perhaps he doesnt live in the same city, he doesnt have time, etc. What you call a quick unscrewing of bolts and a quick clean can actually cause quite a lot of time, money and bother!