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Tenancy Deposit Refund
Former Member
Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
Basically my landlord is taking the piss and trying to bill us for 17 hours worth of cleaning after we moved out. I know this is ridiculous because even though I was first to move out a few days ahead of everyone else the house was already clean and my housemates spent that weekend cleaning. I mean really cleaning, doing the ovens, even wiping all the skirting boards down. My housemate said she was going to take photos because we suspected he'd try and fleece us for cleaning as he had already done earlier in the year. I suspect he just cleans the houses regardless of what state they're left in and then just bills the tenants. He's even trying to charge me for cleaning my room even though he inspected it himself when I moved out and I made sure it was spotless. I know we can refuse to pay the share but the trick is getting in touch with my former housemates to discuss it. All but 2 of them have become pretty elusive so unless we all agree then he's going to bill us. Is there anything we can do?
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Comments
If he's trying to bill you separate from the deposit money, I would just refuse to pay. The worst he can do is threaten to take you to small claims court and the time and money involved to do this is not going to be worth his while.
Some landlords believe that the deposit is theirs, not yours, and this is the result.
Sorry to hear you're having trouble getting a deposit back from a landlord after moving out.
I think flibbertygibbert has it spot on.
If you dispute what your landlord is saying (e.g. about the cleanliness and the microwave) then you should raise a dispute with the tenancy deposit protector. They will go through a process to determine whether your landlord can deduct anything and if so how much.
Speaking with someone from a tenancy deposit protector they did tell me that the more information you can provide them the better. They can only make a decision based on what is in front of them. So send them and inventories, anything in writing from your landlord and any pictures or videos you have taken.
In addition, or as a first step, put your dispute to your landlord in writing explaining exactly why you think he has it wrong. Ask for a response in writing. This may lead him to return your deposit in full.
The Citizens Advice Bureau or Shelter may be able to offer more detailed advice if you contact them.