To dispute this cleaning cost

[PookieDo]

I have left rented accommodation and we are at the point of quibbling the deposit

I had lived there for nearly 10 years and initially they asked for 50% of redecorating costs and I said no, I will not pay this and unreasonable to ask as it’s wear and tear. I filled in all small holes or knocks but during my tenancy nothing was upgraded by them and no discussion as to whether I should be doing my own redecorating, and it wasn’t at all clean when I moved in. There is no inventory. I tried to clean the windows but it’s not on the ground floor and next to a busy road (so all the external windows and frames in all the properties they own are really dirty). Before AND after I moved out I cleaned every skirting board and door with sugar soap. I touched up all the grouting too.

I cleaned the property myself when I left including renting a carpet cleaner.

I got an email from LL the next day saying that property was very clean and in good condition, but needed some painting done. They conceded they would not charge me for the redecoration.

I’ve since had another email a week later saying on closer inspection it’s really dirty and dusty on skirting boards and windows and they want £100 for cleaning costs, seen as I haven’t had to pay for the paint. This doesn’t include the kitchen or bathroom or carpets because they are ok.

I have gone back to say £100 for dusting and cleaning skirting boards is really OTT and I will go back to do it myself. AIBU? What is normal in this situation? I feel like I AM paying for the paint, just in another way!

[NuffSaidSam]

YANBU

I think they're trying their luck!

[RB68]

Just keep challenging them - next time take photos when you leave - mine wanted to charge me the full 825 deposit for an assortment of things. I managed to fight all bar one thing which was fair ish (ie I had already tried whet they did and in the scheme of things the damage could have been put down to FWT but down to 30 quid so I paid them to go away

[BiscuitDrama]

I agree that they are acting like they’ve done you favour by not charging for redecorating, when in fact it is definitely fair wear and tear after ten years.
Could you ask them to send photos of the bits they say are dirty?

[PookieDo]

I feel like I’ve already spent nearly £100 on

Grout cleaner/Whitener
Cleaning products ++ and cloths
Sugar soap
Rug doctor hire and cleaning fluid
Polyfiller
White paint and brushes for skirting and door touch ups

So effectively I spent hours of my time and money and STILL have to pay? Will cost me £200 wish I hadn’t bothered cleaning at all

[RictusGin]

If there's no inventory then they haven't got a leg to stand on. Where is your deposit held, is it in a protected fund like the DPS?

I disputed a deposit a couple of years ago and the adjudicator was very fair, I got most of it back.

[PookieDo]

I did take photos - I can’t see anything

In the first email she said there were cobwebs in a bedroom on a ceiling. I said I must have missed them when I cleaned. Then now she’s been decorating and decided it’s way more dirty than she originally realised

[donajimena]

They haven't got a leg to stand on. Use the TDS online guidance on disputes.

[PookieDo]

Yes in DPS. I’ve never had to deal with a dispute before so unsure what is normal or not

[Walkerbean16]

If there is no inventory photos you will likely get all your deposit back through dps. Its a lengthy process though.

[Justamemory]

If i remember correctly landlords should expect to repaint their property every 10 years or so. so the painting would come under normal wear and tear.

As others have said, if there's no inventory, they haven't got a leg to stand on. The process can take about 3 months though, it's your money unless they can prove otherwise.

[PrincessScarlett]

The first email from them says the property has been left very clean and in good condition. I would refer them to their first email.

[PookieDo]

I am being charged rent until new tenants move in (£200) and also £400 for breaking my contract early so I will pretty much lose half the deposit so another £100 just makes me feel upset

I think I am being reasonable to dispute why thy are going to pay a professional cleaner when I am sfl paying rent and could do it myself?
I need agreement from my LL to start the dispute?

[Horsemenoftheaclopalypse]

No inventory and 10 years

They are trying their luck take everything through DPS and challenge it all...

[Horsemenoftheaclopalypse]

Is your deposit even protected?

[Samind]

Completely unreasonable. They are being ridiculous. Seem the type that would gave you pay for paint etc an then "owe you" plus you put yourself out of pocket to clean and sort the place out. Inside cosmetic work is not your problem. Get them told. And keep sticking to your point. She put her own foot in it saying how clean etc it was. Some people are chancers!!!!

[caringcarer]

I am a LL and this makes me really angry. It is why people have such low respect for LL's. You do not have to pay for paint as needing a paint after 10 years is wear and tear. Refuse to pay for a clean but offer to go back and clean the skirting yourself. That way they cannot deduct from your deposit. They cannot deduct from your deposit without your agreement. I am assuming they have this deposit in a Deposit Protection Scheme.

You say you are being charged £400 for breaking lease early. How early OP? You say you are paying rent until new tenant moves in £200.

LL can only charge for one or the other. Go to CA and show them the lease take photos of the house. Tell them you rented carpet cleaner and keep receipt.

This is a greedy LL who is ripping you off and it pisses me off so much. Because of LL like your all LL get a bad name.

Refuse to pay OP and complain to DPS and include the text where said LL was happy with very clean way you left property..

[caringcarer]

You do not need permission form your crap LL to start dispute.

[PrincessScarlett]

Yes, why are you having to pay rent until the new tenant moves in when you are already paying a penalty for breaking lease early?

[PookieDo]

So to summarise any questions

• I sent a list of issues and photos to my LL of things that were wrong with the property and valid reasons -
  
• I.e the maintenance man had fixed a leak and didn’t redecorate or make good, the leak damaged the flooring a little bit. I had email trail of when this leak happened. So I covered myself with most of those issues and they are not in dispute
  

• When I first rented I signed a month to month lease, no inventory etc. My deposit is protected and I have the certificate
  

• 1 year ago I signed a new 12 month contract with them that included a break clause that I would pay £400 to leave early - I had no choice I was already living in the property and they decided to start doing their business properly. I have 2 months left in this contract and needed to break it early. I got a new deposit certificate
  

• I left the property quickly so it could get re rented out fast as I am liable for all the rent on both this property and my new home. They have rented this out in 2 weeks, after 10 years replacing nothing (and in the 5 years before that everything is now over 15yrs old ie kitchen and bathroom).
  

• I still need to pay them the overlap rent until the tenants move in this weekend. Until then I still technically rent this property so i do dispute using a professional cleaner to do a job I could do - she only needed to ask
  

• she sent an email saying it was very clean except a few cobwebs which I missed. When she’s gone to decorate she’s changed her mind

[Smoggle]

Dispute it through the DPS.

No check in, no inventory, no check out - you'll get your deposit back.

[PookieDo]

I didn’t realise the overlap rent costs and contract fee could also be unreasonable?!

[Travis1]

Tell her you do not agree to any deductions and put it through arbitration. If you have a break clause how are you paying rent as well as the fee?

[PookieDo]

I am going to go let myself in tonight and see what the situation is.

What is odd is why would they decorate over something dirty? She says cleaners coming tomorrow but decorating been done. Doesn’t make sense

[PookieDo]

I’ve also not lived there for 2 weeks but still paid the rent

[sackrifice]

Who advised you to agree a 12 month contract last year? Don't most agreements transfer to a month to month one after the first 6 months?