Tennancy deposit dispute

[jenniprice]

Hi I have a few issues. I have just moved out of my flat. We gave it a thorough clean, but now we are being charged for �70 to clean the bathroom and hob, even though in the inventory they aren't this clean, and we left them in a good condition.
I know this probably doesn't seem that much, but I don't feel I should pay it.

I'm also quite mad as when we first moved into the flat a year ago, there was no garage key. We had to wait a month for it to arrive, meaning we couldn't use the garage for this time.

Then in February this year, the storage heater in our lounge broke. This took a month to fix aswel, so as you can imagine we were freezing cold!
We kept ringing about it, but they landlady was getting quotes for this. I could have tried to get compensation or rent back but I decided not to kick up a fuss and be so petty. In a way we didn't want to kick up a fuss as they're in the driving seat as have �750 of our money for deposit, so could try get money back from this.

Now it just feels they are being unreasonable, especially as I've not asked for reduced rent when these things happened.
I have spoken to them about this, but they said all these things are in the past. They are going to put the quote and pictures in writting to me.

Is there anything I can do about the deposit, and is there any way or claiming compensation or is it too late? Thank you for your time.
Jenni

[eyeshade]

Jenni, was your property professionally cleaned at the start of the tenancy?

[jenniprice]

No it wasn't. It was in a right state, we had to give it a good clean when first got there, and get lots of air conditioners.

I know it had been empty for atleast 6 months before, so had accumilated alot of dirt.

[redcrx]

did you take photos of its original condition when you moved in?

[jenniprice]

There are photo's on their inventory, which we have a copy of, but we didn't take any ourselves. I've rented many properties in the past and never had a problem with getting deposit back.

Like say they said they're going post out pics they took yesterday, so I'm going to compare them to inventory.
I presume if there isn't a picture in the inventory then I can say how did they know what it looked liek before?

[Twenty20]

Your deposit is probably held in a protection scheme, or it should be since April 2007. In a case like this the undisputed part would be returned to you and the remainder has to be argued about, possibly going to arbitration.

Obviously, check what they send you against your copy of the inventory. If you still feel you have a case then you'll have to dispute the �70 and it will be held by the deposit protection company until the dispute is resolved.

All the other problems youve had are water under the bridge now and any discussion about the �70 wont involve those.

Your deposit is held in a scheme isnt it?

[jenniprice]

I think it is, I will have to check my info though.
Thanks for the advice.

[Rob57]

This is all too common. You have to go to magistrates court with photos of the condition clearly indicated when you left. In the future, make a checklist and have the agent or lessor sign it when you enter and then do another when you leave. If they disagree with any tick on the checklist, take a photo of that discrepancy area to use at magistrates court. They will loose and you'll get all your money back! Remember, pets are big liability in flats and you'll lose out on any cleaning fees.