Tennancy Deposit

[Just_Helping_Now]

Not sure I am in the right place to ask this, but here goes ..... 

 

My son has just vavcated a property being managed through a local estate agency.  He is currently in the process of accessing his deposit to be returned.  It is held in a system whereby they give him a code and then it is released back.

 

When the inspection to the property was done they issued a list of 'defects' they wished us to put right.  We have fully cleaned the house as requested.  We have re-painted as requested.

 

They then advised there were 2 stains to the bedroom carpet that had to be cleaned.  Also the living room carpet has to be cleaned.  All marks on walls had to be removed or repainted. We fully painted the house (bar the back bedroom which was used for storage only).  Two stains on the bedroom carpet cleaned.  Front room carpet cleaned. This was done last weekend and handed the keys back.  Inspection was due to be Tuesday, then moved to Wednesday.

 

Now they are saying that what we have done isnt to the expected standard.  They are now saying they are going to get quotes for decorators to come in and new carpets in the living room.  All this to be taken from the deposit.  As I am guarantor on the property, I have advised them I dont have an open cheque book for this.  It is currently in the Landlords hands.

 

They advise the landlord has given us ample time to rectify the situation.  We have only had the keys for 4 days out of the last fortnight.

 

Would anyone be able to advise where I go from here?  My son doesnt want me to do anything that will impede his deposit being returned.  But as I see it, there wont be any deposit left!

 

Thanks in advance guys.

[Just_Helping_Now]

Thanks for all your points above. Given me a little bit of an insight into what I am up against. My son moved into the property in August 2016 so it’s been nearly 3 years. Passed several inspections with minor ‘issues’ that have been put right and re-inspected fine. 

I just feel the labour for a room to be decorated is going to be £20+ per hour and a new carpet will swallow the £500 deposit.

are we legally entitled to obtain our own quotes as she is seemingly reluctant to allow us the keys back. 

Have requested a photo of said stain in living room as it was wet when I left the property. 

[Just_Helping_Now]

This just got a whole lot confusing

 

email on the 18th said

All issues are easily resolved yet it just seems there are quite a few. Please see the below. I will highlight the below items which I feel you are responsible. Further to speaking with your landlord he is happy to cover the other issues not reported as a goodwill gesture and he is happy for us to give you the opportunity to be given the keys to the property and allow you until Tuesday 23^rd April to rectify the issues highlighted and return the keys, failing this the contractor will be asked to quote on rectifying these issues and they will look to recover costs from the deposit

 

Clean

Porch – this would benefit from a repaint.

Living room – Carpet heavily marked / stained.

Paper is coming away from behind the radiator in the living room.

Kitchen – Re hang the door under sink as loose.  

Kitchen drawer – does not close properly.

Kitchen wall – Near radiator damp.

Door to living room does not close due to screws that have come away from the top of the door. Not reported.

Bedroom 1 – Slight white paint marks on walls from the ceiling / marked walls.

Bathroom – Shower works fine, no issues seen yet needs a light clean.

 Bedroom 2 – Door handle – missing.  Light switch cover to dial is missing. Large stain to the bedroom carpet.

Garden – cleaner than previous visits yet cigarette butts strewn all over the garden / bins full.  

Handrail – requires repaint from general wear and tear.

All stained carpets must be cleaned.

Tenant to repaint stained walls in white to ensure walls are back to standard

 

now they are saying

Property clean £150
Treat damp in porch and paint white £30
Replace living room carpet £200
Splice and replace wall paper behind the living room radiator £40
Repair kitchen drawer and cupboard door £20
Damp treat patch in kitchen and paint wall£40
Repair rail to kitchen/living room door £20
Cover paint marks around the ceiling in bedroom 1 magnolia £40
Replace missing door handle £35
Carpet clean bedroom 2 £40
Fix loose hand rail/ bannister at the top of the stairs £15

This totals £630 and swallows up the £500 deposit and more

 

[Just_Helping_Now]

I did take some pictures but the carpet was wet when i left so it doesnt look true.  It looks dark as it was wet.  I couldnt wet it too much as I didnt want to get a bill for shrinking it. 

I have requested a copy of the tennacy conditions but trying to locate his original copy incase it has been altered to suit their claim.

Dont treust them one inch.  The carpets were never mentuoned on any inspection.  When they gave their notice to quit, my sons girlfirend was told to make sure all lightbulbs were fully working as they can charge up to £35 to replace.  That was the main thing she needed to do.  As long as all the lightbulbs were working she could get her deposit back.  But nothing in Writing.  Only verbal.

 

They have just sent an offer of taking £200 and refunding the rest.  Just spoken to the previous tennant and he thinks the stain was there when he left, but he cant be sure.  I think £200 for replacing the carpet is a bit much as it must be at least 4 years old.  Would we be within our rights to offer £100?

[Just_Helping_Now]

They are now saying if we dont accept the offer they have put on the table it can take six months to get sorted.  Is this another lie?