DD's tenancy

[balia]

DD is a 2nd year student at Uni. In September she moved into a flat with friends, but had to move out after 2 of the girls got very involved with drugs, bringing strangers back to the flat etc. She explained the situation to the letting agency, who did an inspection of her room and took her keys back. She had to keep paying the rent as per the contract, which she has done, but was told they would take the last month out of her damage deposit. They have now contacted her to say that she will, in fact, have to pay the last month's rent, as there may be damage that will have to be paid for from the deposit.

When DD said how could they hold her responsible as she has not had access to the flat, they said she could have her keys back if she wanted . Is she liable?

Unfortunately I think if she is named on the tenancy agreement she can be held liable.

If the lease is for them all rather than individually having separate ones I suspect they are jointly liable.

They have inspected her room and taken her keys back. That then is the limit of her involvement. It is down to the LA to inspect the property and ensure no further damage is caused by the remaining tenants.

She has left, therefore the damage was acertianed at her exit. Her financial responsibility in relation to the rent is ongoing, but condition is no longer her responsibility as she has no access.

If there is additional damage that is properly documented, the LL has the right to seek recompense from the remaining tenants. They have looked at her room, accepted her keys and taken the room back. They have told her that they are willing to deduct the last month's rent from her deposit.

They can't make her pay more, not based on what's been said at her point of checking out.