Tenancy deposit dispute

[user1486287257]

We stayed at the property for almost a decade. The property was in slightly poor condition right from the onset, in particular carpets and kitchen. We cleaned the carpets professionally as landlady was pregnant and couldn't do it. But over time things just increased and the landlady kept using her useless unqualified boyfriend to do works. Jobs we eventually done were:

1. Repair toilet as incorrectly fitted by boyfriend
2. Repair electrics
3. Repair plumbing
4. Complained that various items were in need of attention but were not looked into

Now the landlord wants to eventually repair some items and and has accused us of not maintaining the property and estimated costs far exceed the deposit amount.

I am in process to provide my response for dispute and have scanned all engineer call out, communications of requests which fell on deaf ears and and provided all responses to landlords claims.

It was actually quite distressing to read and all our hard work gone into looking after the property. What experience do others have? Are the TDS sympathetic to tenancy concerns?

Yes absolutely. The onus is on the landlord to prove you don't need the deposit back. Do as much as you can to justify your case. We found them to be very sympathetic

It's not your place to "maintain the property", it's hers.

Yes just present your case to the tds and they will take the time to sort it properly.
And by properly see the previous posters responses.