UK Landlord Forum / Life

My tenant was served her 2 months notice as we intend to move back in needing the extra space. I pushed for a final inspection & she kept stalling making excuses. We inspected the property & she pointed out 2 bits of damage that required attention. The house was filthy but apart from wear & tesr appeared ok, we were happy she was leaving. The next day we had the keys & realised the damage both her dog & herself had caused. I couldn't believe someone could think living in filth was acceptable. The dog had been scratching at the wall therefore ripping the wallpaper off, she stated she had stripped it for decoration even though she had no permission too & was asked not too a month previously. The dog had chewed the skirting boards & had shit all over the garden whilst damaging the artificial grass. On lifting the bedroom carpet it looked like urine stains, all 3 bedrooms were the same & were beyond cleaning. There was urine up the skirting boards & downstairs muddy pawprints throught the house. The dog died in December so she hadn't cleaned at all since then. The settee which was new when the tenancy began had been damaged beyond repair again by the dog. I have tried to be reasonable with her but she said the carpets were not damaged by her as the dog was not allowed upstairs or on the furniture, something we agreed on when I foolishly allowed her to get a dog. A mutual friend has provided me with facebook photos of the dog being allowed on the furniture & upstairs. She said believes I can't prove she damaged the carpets stating they were already like that, she signed the contract agreeing that everything was in good condition. I have her £500 bond but we're looking at thousands to repair/replace. I have learned my lesson but would like the opinions of experienced landlords whether we have a chance of success in the small claims court? Thanks

You have a 'contract' - an AST... but what about a signed and agreed Inventory and Schedule of Condition?

Yes I have an inventory also & photos of everything left in its previous condition. She signed it stating the condition of everything being good in the house.

Hi if you have evidence and photos plus signed paperwork. Did the tenant sign a check out form?