Small claims court for damage to property?

[MeMeMeow85]

I wondered if anyone has experience of going to small claims court for damage caused by someone else to property?

The cleaner I engaged through an agency has caused £400 worth of damage. They agency admitted liability, but apparently they don’t have the money at the moment to pay.

As it’s a rental, the cost of the damage will be deducted from my deposit when we move out next week.

Has anyone got experience of small claims court to get money back in similar circumstances?

I’ve got my own insurance, but I don’t intend to claim (and push up my own premium) when the agency needs to pay for it. Thank you

The agency should be insured. If you speak to your insurers they should contact the cleaning agency's insurers. I'd give the agency two options: pay up within X days or go through their insurance. You should send them a letter before action which effectively does just that. I bet their insurance excess is £500.