Landlord claiming I caused damage

[gedsxppl]

Hi all, name changed and put it here because I don't know where else to put it.

My former landlord is claiming they will have to take out and replace a carpet due to damage caused by me.

However there was no damage caused by me. They also initially claimed I caused water damage in the bathroom, however at the time told me it was not my fault but the fault of old pipes, and it had happened before and was not my problem.

What should I do? I don't want this to become a huge drama.

Any claims have to go through tenancy deposit scheme and they can't get costs of new carpet only partial costs depending on age and condition when you moved in less reasonable fair wear and tear.

What sort of damage was there to the carpet?

I think it was supposed to be some kind of staining to the carpet, but I wasn't aware of any when I moved out. They have sent pictures, but it looks to me like general wear and tear that could have been there before I arrived. It's certainly not huge damage like they're claiming.

If I'd genuinely caused any damage, I would have got in touch right away. This is just something I can't be arsed with. I feel like they just want a new carpet and are looking for me to pay for it. It's upsetting because I loved living there and had a good relationship with the landlord.

I took pictures of each room before I hand the keys back and send them to the landlord. Some people might find it excessive and anything I replaced I.e lightbulbs I noted down and listed it in the email to the landlord/agent but I just saw it as covering myself should they claim I have caused damage

I have pictures of the room from the day I moved in, I've just checked. And these "stains" were also there. I've sent them and the time stamps of when I've taken them. Hopefully this will resolve it.

They can be ruthless about trying to claw back the deposit. Stand your ground with the TDS.

I will. But honestly I don't know if I can be bothered sometimes 😂

Take it there wasn’t an inventory done then. Next place make sure there is one that you both sign agreeing on the condition at start of tenancy.

if you have digital photos the exif data will show when they were taken. That can't be manipulated.

Hopefully the fact you have time stamped pics from your move in date will be enough, some landlords will really try their luck unfortunately!

Even if you had done the damage, they can’t claim for a new carpet. Only for part of the cost depending on how much life the carpet had left. Eg if a carpet lasts 10 years and it’s currently 9yo, they can only claim 1/10 the cost of a new carpet.

I’d also insist on seeing the receipt for the new carpet. They can’t claim from you then pocket the cash. They have to actually buy the new carpet. They can’t charge you for something they haven’t bought.

In any case, you have proof that you didn’t do the damage so don’t have to pay a penny!

Was there an inventory with photos when you moved in?
If not the LL doesn't have a leg to stand on

if you have digital photos the exif data will show when they were taken. That can't be manipulated.
That actually isn’t true. You can edit the exif data if you have the right app.

well yes, but it's not easy

He’s talking shit. The TDS will go in your favour due to your photos and his lack of inventory/check in. He’s an idiot. No wonder some ll have such a shit reputation.

Thanks everyone! No inventory, I just handed the keys and left. Thankfully no longer renting, so won't have to deal with any of this. The photos have proof of date and time taken, and they were taken the exact date I moved in. I actually had a good relationship with him when living there, so I can't help but feel he's taking advantage of the fact that I'm non-confrontational, and a woman but I shouldn't bring that into it. It's just my feeling.

If there was no inventory taken, you have nothing to worry about.

Dear LL,

I am writing to you to reiterate our previous discuss regarding (address). As I said previously, prior to vacating the property, I ensured it was cleaned to a high standard and when I returned the keys there was no damage to the carpet.

No inventory was taken and signed by myself prior to me moving in or after I vacated the property, therefor I am not liable for any damage as there is no evidence to suggest it was caused by myself.

I hope this clarify the situation for you.

Exactly what dog has written.
Your LL is trying his luck.
Good luck

.

Let him try it on - the DPS will have none of it.

You don't need to respond..let him raise a claim through arbitration and it will be dismissed once you send your photographs. It might be a lesson so that he doesn't try this on with other tenants.

if you have digital photos the exif data will show when they were taken. That can't be manipulated.

It's is very easy to manipulate. If you know how to alter certain settings on your phone or camera you can do it in less than a minute. (insurance fraud examiner here)

I rented a flat when I first moved over here & on the day I left & handed in the keys I bought a copy of that days newspaper & took extensive photos of the flat which included the date on the newspaper clearly visible. The landlord tried to claim the flat door was smashed but my pics clearly showed it wasn't (it was actually the door of one of the other flats but he wasn't one not to try & screw everyone over)