Tenants are always treated fairly and deposits are dealt with in accordance with deposit law. In this particular instance conversations were had during the tenancy with the tenants regarding cleanliness and unfortunately at the end of the tenancy, due to there being some damages a claim was made from their deposit. The tenants also agreed in writing to have the carpets cleaned at the end of tenancy, however at the vacating inspection they informed us that they had cleaned them 2 months prior and so didn't feel the need, this resulted in a further claim for carpet cleaning. Since these matters need to have professionally recorded conversations it was mainly dealt with by email. The tenants were offered the opportunity for a legal representative from the DPS (Deposit protection service, where we legally held their deposit) to consider the evidence from both sides and for them to make a final decision. We submitted photographs taken at the final inspection and a copy of the photographic move in inventory which the tenants had checked and signed at their move in, having had 7 days to check it over. After considering all the evidence the legal adjudicator at the DPS awarded the landlord the full claim. Any tenants looking to rent from Belvoir should understand that an inventory not only protects the landlord from his/her property being damaged it also protects the tenants deposit from the landlord making claims for damages which were already present, it is therefore important to choose an agent who provides you with a professional photographic one like we do, you can then rest assured that if the property is maintained to a good clean standard, as with the majority of the properties we manage, your deposit will be returned in full. If there are any disputes at the end of the tenancy then you should also rest assured knowing that the correct legal way of resolving that dispute will be carried out.
Any landlords considering letting your property should choose an agent who provides you with a good solid tenancy agreement and professional inventory to protect your investment.