Letting Agent Not Starting Deposit Return Process

[BankFodder]

I would say that they certainly aren't entitled to recover the costs of normal wear and tear.

When somebody rents out a property then they have to expect that it is going to be used and of course their asset will deteriorate as a result – and that is partly what the rent is for.

If there is damage which goes beyond that then that should certainly be paid for.

It seems to me that the holes in the wall definitely need to be addressed. Damaged freezer drawer. Curtain track. But if the scuffing on the walls is simply part of the ordinary usage of the property then that may well be considered wear and tear.

I'm afraid that being rude while they've got your money and you don't have it – is not necessarily the best approach.

Did you take photographs of the property as you left it? Did you take photographs of the property when you first moved in?

[BankFodder]

Just to add – I would suggest that the best strategy is to decide on which deductions you agree upon and then write to them and approve those deductions and ask them to pay those ever immediately and then put the others in dispute.

This will demonstrate goodwill and positive approach and also reduce the size of the dispute value which will be helpful later on

[BankFodder]

I'm afraid that I don't know what the proper procedures are but although you filled the holes in the wall and painted them, it was obviously not good enough that they didn't notice it.

I'm afraid that I'm not competent to comment on the correct procedures which should be followed. Maybe somebody else will come along here and help. Also I can only advise you as to the principles of "wear and tear" as I understand them – but I haven't seen the marks that they are referring to. However it's not unknown for landlords to expect to be able to get an entire professional paint job at the expense of their ex-tenants.

You didn't take your own pictures going in and you didn't take your take own pictures going out – Big Fail.