deep clean - urgent!

[leavemyholidaysalone]

Sorry wrong topic but need advice fast.

Our LLs told us at final inspection of our property last week that it needed a deep clean that would come off our deposit. Gave us the option to pay two more days rent and spend that time cleaning it, or let them pay for a clean.

So we spent all weekend hoovering, scrubbing and wiping things. Now they are saying it STILL requires a deep clean and we have to pay two days extra rent AND the cost of cleaning.

My question is, can we call their bluff and say we will carry out the clean? Or do they just get to pick the most expensive cleaning company they can to do it? Really really need our deposit back and the place was hardly filthy, we are a family who have occupied it for a couple of years so yes it needed a clean but we did one!

Thanks for any advice.

Check your lease. Ask for the cleaning cost in advance so you can decide which is more economical. Work out what 2 days rent would be.
Your LL sounds like an arse. I'm glad for you that you're moving out. Fight it, so NBU.

I would expect a property I rented to have carpets etc properly cleaned and for it to be receipted.

I had to do that when I moved out as part of a deep clean. Hoovering wasn't enough. Even then they charged us £20 or so for the hallway to be hoovered after we left.

I'd expect the carpets cleaned, and they don't just mean a quick wipe round and hoover. They mean washing the skirting boards etc.

Have to dash but this will help It only needs to be as clean as when you moved in less fair wear and tear.

Does your contract state a deep clean?

Mine did, and so they required a receipt from a professional cleaning company showing that the dishwasher/cooker were cleaned, carpets cleaned rather than just hoovered, curtains washed etc.

They offered to do it for us, but wanted £550 for a two-bed flat to do it, so we got a company ourselves.

Look at the pictures in your check-in inventory. If everything matches and is cleaned to the same standard, you could call their bluff and take it to the deposit resolution scheme, but that can delay the return of your deposit by a few months.

Were the carpets professionally cleaned when you moved in? If not then they can't make you do it now

You will need to get the carpets professionally cleaned.
My letting agents were harsh when I left my flat, charged me £40 as I forgot to dust the top of the door frames.

My last agent tried this. The house was dirty when I arrived and not much better when I left.

I told them I'd seek legal advice through an insurance policy I have (A lie). It worked though. They backed down. It sounds like you've done your best to clean it thoroughly so I'd say it's time to be tough on them. Your deposit should be with a deposit company so they can mediate if necessary.

Really do have to go but Case Study 8 here Facts
The Landlord sought to retain a part of the Deposit, in order to cover the cost of professionally cleaning
the carpets in the property at the end of the tenancy....The
Adjudicator found that the Landlord could not rely on this clause of the Tenancy Agreement as it was
an unfair contract term, where enforcement of this clause could result in the Tenant being liable for
returning the carpets in a condition that was of a higher standard than the condition in which they
were delivered at the start of the tenancy.

We had huge problems with our LL when we moved out despite us having the carpets professionally cleaned we painted EVERYWHERE - it was all magnolia and the kids had drawn on a wall but we did the entire flat walls and woodwork and I scrubbed kitchen bathroom.

we were lucky in a way that council had 'paid' our deposit and were more than happy with the way we left the flat - LL sent us a bill for over 2000 + then kept adding to it for about 3 months afterwards thankfully we had taken loads of photo's. they never got a penny.

check your lease - it only has to be as clean as you found it minus fair wear and tear

We had a ll pull this on us once. We decided that it wasn't worth 100% fighting about so we told them that we were agreeable to them funding a deep clean out of our deposit, provided they gave us a copy of heir quotes and the final invoice. A quoted £600 went down to £120 after that.

*their

I'd post here. landlordzone

They'll advise you based on the actual facts of your circumstances. Make sure you have your tenancy agreement to hand.

I've used the forum loads of times as both a LL and a leaseholder and the advice is excellent.

What does your inventory say?

If it's full, professional and describes every wall, floor door, door jam etc and lists condition and cleanliness level and it clearly states professionally cleaned, then that's what you have to return the property back to them as.

No inventory? No proof they cleaned it for you? They'll never get it deducted from YOUR deposit.

Ex inventory clerk here.