UK Landlord Forum / Life

Some help please what we do and where we stand as Lanlords

Back in October we had a small leak in our roof and it caused a small stain on the ceiling. We repaired the roof and the Tenant agreed that she would clear up the stain for us using Stain Block and then paint it. All very kind of them as all materials were left for them any way in our outbuilding.

Come January when we hand notice on our Tenant is become apparent that these small works that they agreed to do had not been done and due to the damp and mould has spread in a large area. They are saying this is down to us as the Landlord to sort out. We have in writing that they were to do this to the house.
This has all been picked up on the check out report but as chargeable to the Tenant but they are saying no.

There are loads of items that the Tenant is saying she is not paying for that have been damaged as picked up on the check out report. They are saying it was that way when they moved in and is down to us. Nothing was picked up on their check in report nor have they ever put in writing that there was an issue with any of these bits.

We have a deposit on the Tenant and they are saying they want it to go to arbitration, what does this involved? Can we be there in person to put the case across and show written evidence on all the issue that are chargeable to the Tenant?

It gets worse as we have found out from neighbours that the Tenant moved in a dog in the property and the contact stated no pets. This is an issue as I am an Asthmatic and have been suffering since moving back in to the property and have been advised to get the property deep cleaned  and replace all the carpets. If I was to do this I guess I would need to go through the small claim courts as not enough within the deposit to cover all this and is this something I can do to the Tenants since moving out?

It gets even worse, The Tenant wanted to move out early as they had found another property and we agreed a fee of £500 to cover some of our costs. The Tenant has not paid this and is refusing to acknowledge this on what is chargeable to the Tenant list form. The moved out on an agreed date and the contract end, we were due to moved back in 1 month later but ended moving back in 2 weeks earlier and the Tenant is saying that is why they are not paying. Surely as the Tenant had moved out and the contract ended we could move back in at any time as it is our house again?

Since the Tenant has moved out we have found out they were claiming housing benefit and we clearly stated when asked by our Agents that we did not want anyone renting our house on housing benefit, can the Agents do this?

Our Agents seem to be favouring the old Tenant as they are renting another property through them and are no help.

All lot I know in this message and any help and advice would be really kind

This I am afraid depends on you.

Nothing you mention is really awful, in my opinion. Others who are more "strict" will tell you to pursue it etc.

I would keep arguing with the Deposit people to get as much back as you can, but just keep it impersonal and do it quickly without getting emotional.

Otherwise just move on, and enjoy being back in your house!! The stress is not worth doing anything else.