UK Landlord Forum / Life

When my last tenant left, I with held most of her deposit - I've never had to do this in 8 years of renters.  She basically walked out with her bag - everything filthy - lots of Marijuana paraphernalia left in cupboards. chewing gum all over the bedpost.  I had to redecorate two rooms which had been damaged with stickers peeling off the wall paper.  Anyway after her initial surprise at me keeping a large portion of her deposit she reluctantly accepted the outcome.  Two months later I am being hounded by a lettings agent to give her a reference.  She's a feckless student and I cant be bothered with any of this.  Can I just ignore this or is it my duty to warn others.  She's still in the area and quite possibly the vindictive type too.  Any advice most welcome.

I would give an honest reference. Some people think withholding a reference sends message enough. I do not.

I am with Hippogriff on this. You are not being vindictive if you give an honest account of her behaviour.Such people leave misery behind for others to clear up. I doubt if she will do you any harm,but if she tries, tell her you will be sending a copy to the college she attends .

Thanks for that advice.  I went bqck into the lettings agent's site to start the process only to find that the reference had been completed!.  When I called the agent to find out what had gone on, they said that the tenant had changed the name of the referee - she probably thought it through - duh!!  Sorry to have wasted everyone's time.  Like the Angry Landlord says - if it looks like a duck - it probably is a duck - I should have trusted my gut - but I interviewed her online during Covid  and thought I was lucky to even have a tenant!  Hey Ho!