letting agents keeping deposits

[sammmo]

When you leave a flat/house that you've occupied for a few years .. the letting agents will inspect the premises for damage etc.before giving you the deposit back.. have they got the right to keep the deposit if there are a few holes ,screws or marks on the walls left from normal everyday use..i.e. pictures ,,when taken down will leave a nail/screw behind .. if we remove the nail it will leave a hole..are we expected to refill these holes and therefore redecorate the whole room? The flat i'm refering to was clean when my daughter moved in but it had not been painted for a while over the last few years she has decorated a couple of the rooms.. do you know whether the letting agents will want us to return the flat toits original colours etc.. if sois this reasonable on there part.. and is it lawful?

[BagPussAA]

Unfortunately they do have the right to expect you to repair the holes that you have left in the walls. You dont necessarily have to return the walls to the original colour unless your daughter did not have permission to paint them. Since April 2007 the deposit should be in the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. Deposits are protected to ensure:
tenants get all or part of their deposit back, when they are entitled to it
any disputes between tenants and landlords or agents will be easier to resolve
tenants are encouraged to look after the property they are renting.

If you are disputing the amount that they are going to charge for the repairs then you should contact the Alternative Dispute Resolution which is a free service under this scheme.

[cassa333]

This is why it is always best to get clarification at the begining of the tenancy as well as written permission for any work you do on the property. Also taking photos is a good idea.

Normal wear and tear should be followed but if the damage is excesive then you may have to either make good or loose part of your deposit.

Ask for a copy of the inventory as this will give a good indication of the state of the place when she moved in.

Start cleaning and making good now then when she does go it won't be such a shock.

[jenniprice]

I'm never renting again as landlords are pigs!
Take you for every little penny, and like bagpuss said you may dispute how much they'll charge(it will be a shock!).

And yes if she has painted the rooms without permission they will either charge to be put back in original state, or make change(even though looks better)

[cassa333]

Jenniprice, not all landlords are pigs taking you for every penny in just the same way that not all tenants are benifit scrounging layabouts who abuse and trash the property, fail to pay the rent and then flee owing vast amounts of money.