redecorating my rented flat/bond deposit

[tangledzebra]

Hi all,

I have rented my flat for nearly six years.

During my tenancy I have always paid my rent on time and been a good tenant with no issues.

I am moving out and am a bit anxious about what is reasonable wear and tear. I will fill the holes, from pictures i have put up (i asked permission from the landlord) but am I expected to re-paint? There are marks on the wall from my son and it does generally need a good re-paint but half of me thinks it should be due one anyway? (it hasnt been painted since i have been there)

How do I ensure that the cost of the re-paint isn't deducted from my bond - or should it be?

AIBU to expect the landlord to repaint from his pocket rather than from my bond?

The landlord will redecorate after you've gone. Wear and tear-as long as it's reasonable-should not result in a deduction from your deposit.

That's my view, anyway.

Could you not just clean the walls to get rid of the worst marks? One of those 'magic' sponges would be ideal, then it might look tired rather than damaged iyswim.

Thank you for replying. I will definitely give it a good clean. It needs a paint and because of that im not show how 'clean' it will look.

whatshallwedo - whats a magic sponge?

You can buy them off Amazon. They're called magic markers, and they're great for removing scuffs etc. Your LL should probably have repainted already anyway if you've been there 6 yrs. You can't lose anything from the deposit from fair wear and tear.

Thank you Adeleh. That's what I was thinking re: repainting because of the length of my tenancy just wanted to check I wasn't BU first.

There's a website for LLs and tenants which gives guidelines. It's something like every 3 yrs a bathroom should be reprinted, but 5 yrs for bedrooms. Halls and landings are 3 years, I think. Guidelines are there to help in dispute. If yr LL tried to make you pay and you disputed, guidelines like this should help. But he'll probably be fine. Just be prepared, and know the guidelines beforehand.

That's really helpful. I tried to google to see if there were any guidelines so that's good to know. None of the flat has been re-painted since I have been here.

Check the terms of your tenancy agreement. Thereby be decorating obligations on vacating, but unlikely. Provided the flat is clean when you vacate and you repair any holes in walls etc then I wouldn't expect a landlord to ask you to paint. 'Wear and tear' covers general scuffs on walls etc. The magic sponge sounds good though!
Most landlords prefer you don't paint so they can control tr quality of the workmanship/protect their floors! As it's a flat the landlord may also have his own internal decorating obligations to the head landlord who holds the freehold so most landlords will do internal decorating themselves anyway so they ensure they comply with the head lease.

*there may, not thereby

You can also get magic sponges from Poundland and Poundstretcher if you have one nearby.

Jesus, I'm living in squalor! No way we redecorate our own home that often.

Don't worry, Joys. This is because in general rented properties are expected to have more wear and tear for some reason.