UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi

I just had tenants leave a property.
In 2023 on viewing the property they asked if they could bring their two cats. I agreed on the condition that when they left the property they professionally cleaned the carpets/ treated for fleas and handed to me a paid invoice from a company. They agreed and signed a letter to this effect as part of the inventory. Before I've had tenants leave with fleas in the house and I've had to foot the bill. I'm wanting to avoid this.

They have left without doing this. I've had the carpets cleaned etc and charged on the deposit They are disputing this and claiming it's not legal due to the tenants 2019 fees act.

I'm wondering If it goes to deposit resolution or court where this stands

I'd be interested in your experience with this

Thanks

The Tenant Fee Act does make the letter void. As a landlord, you cannot require your tenants to pay a third party to carry out a service.

But the situation is not that simple.

Regardless of the Tenant Fees Act, you are still able to claim compensation for any loss beyond the normal wear and tear associated with any residential tenancy. So if there were fleas or other damage, you are able to charge for that loss.

If the place was clean and the cleaning was simply precautionary, there's no loss.

I think the tenants have tricked you, agreeing that they would pay for the cleaning, knowing that it wasn't enforceable. Next time, agree to an increased rent to cover the cost of the cleaning you require (don't call it that, just increase the rent in exchange for pets - unless there's legislation in future to prevent that being legal).