UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hello everyone, new here just looking for a little advice.

We have had alot of issues with out landlord/letting agents and basically are looking to get out asap with minimal costs to ourselves! Our tenancy is about to expire but our landlord is quite awkward and I feel like they will do anything to avoid returning deposit, we have a full inventory and there is no damage to property (some wear and tear). I was basically wondering if the landlord is legally obliged to do a move out inspection about a week before we leave to give us to time to rectify any issues? I know they will do one on day of moving out legally but I would like to know if I am within my rights to demand one to be done earlier than this, as I said, it has been a nightmare and just want to get out with full deposit. Any help would be hugely appreciated!!

Thank you 

hello lemon23

The answer to the question you posed is no, there is no legal right you enjoy to force a pre-expiry.  I think you are looking at this the wrong way.  Don't think legal.  Think bargain.

If your fear comes true, you will get into a dispute over the amount to be returned which you won't resolve between you.  Assuming they have lodged the deposit with a government recognised scheme you'll end up in that scheme's arbitration service.  So the job is to appear as good as possible to the arbitrator.

So write the landlord and agent a letter.  The key points are:
+ You think the house has suffered no damage and you are due a full return of deposit upon exit;
+ You are concerned their attitude during the tenancy will lead them to claiming for all sorts of nonsense (phrase this how you want to!)
+ So to prevent that happening, you would like them to do a review a week before to offer you the opportunity to put right anything they may pick up on.

You end up in a can't lose position.  They come round and you get into a sensible discussion.  They refuse and the arbritator can see it's you who's been going the extra mile to get things sorted.

Hope this helps.  Let us know how you get on.

Thank you, I really really appreciate your advice. I think it's good just to have a bit of a solid plan and some support from somebody else as well!! I'm going to take your advice, as you say, it will only make me look reasonable and prepared should the deposit be disputed. Thanks again you've really helped me!!