UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi everyone,

I have just got back possession of my property after the recent tenant left.

They left owing rent which I understand can be taken from the deposit (and they have agreed to this). My question is with regards to claiming part of the deposit for damages to the carpet.

In short, they breached the tenancy agreement by keeping dogs at the property; I let them keep the dogs under the proviso that they steamed cleaned all the carpets with insecticide upon leaving (I have this in writing). The issue I have is that one of the carpets has been damaged, and burnt, and needs to be replaced; my Estate Agent tells me that we can only claim to have the carpets cleaned as per the agreement and I need to provide a receipt as proof of this if it is to be deducted from the deposit.

I am not saying that the dogs burnt the carpet but clearly the tenant did damage it beyond wear and tear whilst they were living there and I was wondering if anybody had experience in claiming back deposit money for such damages? I find it hard to believe that I can only claim back for carpet cleaning when a carpet needs to be replaced.

If anyone has any advice, I would greatly appreciate it
Thank you

If the carpet needs replacing you can claim back a reasonable proportion of the cost. E.g. If you reckon on a carpet lasting ten years on average with reasonable use, and you're having to replace this one after eight years, then you could make a case for claiming back 2/10 of the cost.

Thank you, that is what I thought. The Estate Agent said that I am only allowed to claim for cleaning which I thought sounded wrong. The carpet is 6 years old (tenants in for 5.5 years). I will let you know how I get on.

Thanks again