Housing association bill for repairs to deceased dads flat

[Totallybannanas]

I'm so annoyed, my dad died 4 months ago. I cleared the property as told. Wasn't given any pre inspection, as they turned up announced when I was at work. I was told I just had to clear it end of. I then got an invoiced a bill for a months notice. This was not communicated when I rang to give notice. Now 4 months later they have sent another invoice for repairs. £1343 in total. £530 to repaint bedroom which has damp anyway. Buy behind the fitted wardrobe my dad had tested the paint and wrote the date etc but hadn't painted over it as it was behind the wardrobe. This is apparently classed as graffiti! Then the kitchen which I assume is nearly 10 years old, at least 6 years has a bit of the laminate from the work top peeled off as it's near the sink £560 for whole new work top! The kitchen is old, and as far I'm concerned it's wear and teare.and needed renewing anyway! He's been there for over 40 years. There was damp everywhere so it all needed repainting and redoing. I feel like the cost is extortionate and to send a invoice 4 months later is disgusting. I didn't even have a pre inspection.or any warning. I just feel like they are trying to fleece money from my dad's estate grrr.

Why was there damp everywhere in the property?

Generally around windows and external walls where furniture was or where neighbour had a shed in shared garden. Pretty much standard for HA property. Although they didn't bill me for that! When I was clearing, a painter and decorator came around which had already been scheduled before dad's death, apparently to paint the damp I guess but said don't worry about it as it all gets repainted anyway.

This invoice for the months notice (if considered valid) is not something that you are not personally liable for it would be a debt payable from whatever his estate has in resources. Are you an executor of his estate?

As for the invoice regarding the repairs, his estate will not be liable to replace a work top that is ten years old as that would fall in to the category of wear and tear as you have stated.

As for the painting, his estate would not be responsible for a repaint especially since it sounds like there was a ventilation/or damp issue, and they likely would redecorate anyway.

I would write back to them not telephone them. If the estate has no available resources that this debt cannot be met, and/or in any event that your father's estate is not liable and you will not be meeting their costs.

Thank you for your replies. I will write back to them. They inspected the property the day after I handed the keys back which was in October, so to now send me a invoice now was completely unexpected! It was a old and cheap kitchen and my dad has been a tenant for over 40 years, so has clearly come the end of its life cycle and needs to updated!

Ask them for the inventory they signed showing the condition when he moved in. After 40 years they won't have one. Also, wear and tear allowances on rented property assume a 10 percent annual depreciation rate so a landlord will expect to replace items and redecorate after 10 years. I think you have a strong argument not to pay anything.

They can’t bill you if you’re not on the tenancy.

Executor has to settle the bills from the estate. Argue the size of the bill if appropriate.

No but I am the executor. I feel they all re absolutely taking the piss.

@Totallybannanas you are not personally liable his estate is you have to argue the case as executor of the will.