Landlords requests

[Themrmen]

Hi, we have been tennants for a couple of years and never been a problem. We get the feeling that the landlord won't renew our contract in 4 months when due as rents increased substantially in the area. They came round for an inspection and have emailed to say that tjey want the hallway re wallpapered (where the kids have ripped it) and the carpets professionally cleaned. We feel that if leaving in 4 months then that is what the deposit is for or we can redecorate ourselves nearer the time, whereas they are demanding it's done ASAP. Can anyone advise where we need to do it now or at end of tenancy?

Presumably the earlier you do it the greater the hope you can stay. If you leave it and there are deductions from the deposit, which do need to be substantiated, you are at the mercy of the charges of whoever the ll chooses. If you may need a reference perhaps you should do so now and continue to maintain it in good order. How old are your dc that they rip wallpaper ?

I think they're totally reasonable requests. Contracts generally state that you keep the property clean and tidy.
Deposits are for use when tenants don't look after the rental or abscond and you can bet the landlord will charge more than if you simply did the work yourself now.

The deposit is there to try and protect the landlord if tenants leave behind ripped wallpaper and filthy carpets, to allow them to recoup the cost of putting the property back to the same condition it was rented out in!

You are expected to leave the property as you find it so they can't force you to do it now but chances are if you don't then they will definitely give you notice as they will believe you are not looking after the property properly.

I have 4 small children and live in a private rented property, I wouldn't dream of having anything wrong when inspection is due (or before if I am honest, any damage is sorted out immediately), this is someone else's investment and should be looked after as such, Sorry for the rant but it is hard enough to get landlords happy to accept children without people abusing their properties.

You are expected to leave the property as you find it so they can't force you to do it now but chances are if you don't then they will definitely give you notice as they will believe you are not looking after the property properly.

not quite. reasonable wear and tear has to be considered.

I suppose it's reasonable but when I used to rent and burnt a hole in the carpet, they said we'll just sort it out when you leave if you like. At that point there was no notice to leave etc.

I've never seen work requested mid contract but I have seen LL notice an issue and say do something about it unless you want to wait to take it out of deposit. I have had a LL moan about the garden being a bit overgrown though so I guess wallpaper is the same as that...

The propert has not been abused at all, lived here for 2 years with no problems at all in any inspection, the carpets are not stained or damaged just wear and tear, yes the wall paper is ripped but I still don't see the problem of doing ourselves prior to leaving rather than ASAP, same with carpets with 5 people living there will be professionally cleaned anyway as agreed in inventory when leaving, I don't see the point of the expense right now, we've asked to see the agents report as when speaking to the on the phone yesterday they were confused about the mention of carpets.

if you are to do a professional cleaning on leaving, then it seems a bit odd to do it now - IF you are leaving in four months.

but are you? Rather than 'feelings', ask what the landlord's intentions are. It sounds like there is already confusion so definitely time to get clarification.