We were surprised to read and receive this review as the mentioned deposit claim was put forward on behalf of the landlord (the agent has no gain in putting a claim forward) nor do we manage this particular tenancy.

Whilst we do understand tenant’s frustrations with any deposit claim, there is a process in place via deposit scheme adjudication to avoid claims which are untrue / unwarranted. In this instance, we feel that it is worth noting that the tenants agreed to the landlord’s claim for additional cleaning and replacement of a light which was not working.

Upon commencement of the tenancy, the tenants were provided with an inventory and schedule of condition for the property. This document was 12 pages long and was subsequently signed by the tenants to confirm that they agreed with the content and noted condition of the property.

Upon vacating the property a check was undertaken to confirm any differences from to original inventory. Unfortunately, the property was not left in a satisfactory condition (the majority of points noted were for cleanliness and not for items exceeding fair wear and tear).

Following from the checkout we had a long conversation with the tenants regarding the landlord’s proposed claim and had to explain that cleanliness (such as food crumbs, grease, dust and limescale) would not constitute as fair wear and tear.

In this situation, we do feel that the tenants are slightly confused about the claim, who the deposit monies go to and how this does not benefit the agent in any way.