Ensuring complete return of deposit...

[marcusfox]

Prior to this experience I have always rented privately or as a lodger and
therefore I have been able to ensure that the landlord/owner is present and
satisfied with the condition of the property before handing back the keys.

Currently I rent through a lettings agency, and the procedure is to hand in
the keys at the agency office before close of business on the last day of
tenancy. Obviously this does not give me the opportunity to discuss with the
agent his opinions of any shortcomings in the standards of cleaning/repair
before I leave the property. I am concerned that this will leave me open to
accusations of additional expenses and the dreaded "admin fees" required to
return the property to its original condition to be deducted from my
deposit.

Any suggestions on how to proceed would be appreciated!

[joolie]

Hi- You could ask to be present when the inventory is done... if there is one being done!

[marcusfox]

Hi- You could ask to be present when the inventory is done... if there is one being done!

Hi, that is the point - usually I am present when the inventory is being done - in this case, they are making me just hand over the keys!

[joolie]

well I suppose all you can do is to ensure that you DO leave the property in good condition- and make sure you take some good photos?

[marcusfox]

well I suppose all you can do is to ensure that you DO leave the property in good condition- and make sure you take some good photos?

I am concerned that regardless of any photos I take of the condition of the property, the agent will have carte blanche to levy on the deposit as opinions on cleanliness and wear and tear are subjective. What protection do I have should the landlord say - "I'm sorry, but you did not clean the property to an appropriate standard, we had to hire a cleaning firm in, so we will be deducting the cost plus VAT and an admin charge".

[awt19]

Has your deposit been protected? (do you know if it needed to be?, ie rent less than 25k pa, in England and Wales, signed after Apr 07).

I think you should try and be there for the final inventory, or else I think you can claim that it's not valid. Just take lots of photos before you move out, and perhaps include a photo of a paper with the date you are taking the photos.

[marcusfox]

Has your deposit been protected? (do you know if it needed to be?, ie rent less than 25k pa, in England and Wales, signed after Apr 07).

I think you should try and be there for the final inventory, or else I think you can claim that it's not valid. Just take lots of photos before you move out, and perhaps include a photo of a paper with the date you are taking the photos.

Presumably it will have been - the rental is less than 10k and it is a proper residential lettings agency.

They said they have another company do the inventory and check that everything is up to scratch after I have moved out, thats why I have to hand back the keys on the date of me moving out.

[awt19]

Presumably it will have been - the rental is less than 10k and it is a proper residential lettings agency.

They said they have another company do the inventory and check that everything is up to scratch after I have moved out, thats why I have to hand back the keys on the date of me moving out.

A proper residential letting's agency means nothing. Many flout the rules.

They are legally required to provide you with information on which Tenancy Deposit Scheme your deposit is held with. They are not allowed to hold the money themselves. If the money isnt protected, then they can get in big trouble (and you can sue them for 3x your deposit as a penalty).

If you havent received this information (they are required to give it to you within 14 days of you paying the deposit), then I would be concerned.

The whole reason the schemes are in place are to provide tenants with an dispute service, and to ensure the landlord/agent doesnt unilaterally make any deductions he/they want too...

Do you not have this information? This will help you ensure that you get your full deposit back! if you dont have it, I suggest you find out why!

I suggest you have a read of this also: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TenancyDeposit/DG_066373

[marcusfox]

A proper residential letting's agency means nothing. Many flout the rules.

They are legally required to provide you with information on which Tenancy Deposit Scheme your deposit is held with. They are not allowed to hold the money themselves. If the money isnt protected, then they can get in big trouble (and you can sue them for 3x your deposit as a penalty).

If you havent received this information (they are required to give it to you within 14 days of you paying the deposit), then I would be concerned.

The whole reason the schemes are in place are to provide tenants with an dispute service, and to ensure the landlord/agent doesnt unilaterally make any deductions he/they want too...

Do you not have this information? This will help you ensure that you get your full deposit back! if you dont have it, I suggest you find out why!

I suggest you have a read of this also: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TenancyDeposit/DG_066373

I do not have this information. The agent told me that the deposit would be protected, but I was not aware that they had to do anything more than protect it. What information are they supposed to provide?

[Snorkerz]

take a look at the link provided by awt19 - the info is all there.

[awt19]

I do not have this information. The agent told me that the deposit would be protected, but I was not aware that they had to do anything more than protect it. What information are they supposed to provide?

I suggest you call the 3 TDS's and see if either of them have your money. This should clear it up.

If they dont... then the LL could be messing you around, and if you want your full deposit back, I suggest you get them to protect it asap.

[marcusfox]

The deposit is held with PDS.

[JayZ]

Been in your position recently but you are a few days behind. Take LOADS of photos! Clean clean clean, loads more photos! If the house is left in good condition, general wear and tear is expected. Carpet cleaning is where they can get you too............ PHOTOS!

[marcusfox]

Well, tenancy ended some weeks ago and have just got a letter from them advising me that the property needed a lightbulb replacing and a light clean and they are charging me £90 for this. I don't agree, as I cleaned the property to a high standard and took lots of video and photographs to show the condition of the property on checkout day. What do you advise my next step to be? I was thinking of writing and asking for copies of invoices as even £90 seems excessive for a light bulb and a light clean. The lightbulb that they mention was on the inventory as not working when I moved in anyway.

[mind the gap]

Assuming the LL/LA have provided you with the prescribed information relating to your deposit protection with DPS, contact the the DPS and tell them you wish to raise a dispute. Then the scheme arbitrator will look at your LL's claim and your defence in the light of any evidence (the onus will be on your LL to prove his proposed deductions are justified), and decide who gets what.

It may well be the case that you get the whole deposit back - especially if you have photos to show what state you left the property in when you left.