estimates on damage charges

[kimvo]

We have received estimates for some damages from the landlord (stained wooden kitchen floor and fine cracks at the bathroom sink drain hole). As advised by the checkout inventory clerk, I had requested the landlord to get expert opinions to determine the causes of the damages. Now, the landlord increases his estimates to match estimates quoted by the flooring company and the plumbing company (from £153 to £493 for sanding/seal of the floor and £276 to £528 for replacement of the sink). Am I entitled to get other estimates from different companies? What are my options? Unfortunately communications between the landlord and us have broken down during the check-out process and he’s trying to get as much of our deposits as possible. Please help.

[dazalock]

How is the deposit held, is it stakeholder, check your AST, and then have a look at Pauls Deposit document in Articles. If your deposit IS stakeholder the LL cant have nothing without your approval. You shouldnt have to pay for fair wear and tear, so I would be vary of the floor damage if it is in a high use area. Getting your own estimates, I guess, is not possible if you have already checked out?

[Paul_f]

This is totally outrageous and wouldn't even pass scrutiny in court.

The landlord has not mitigated his loss so cannot make these charges. A sink with fine cracks round a plughole is probably wear and tear and not damage. Even if it was, the landlord has to take into account its age etc. and would stand no chance of charging for a replacement sink. Stain on a wooden floor must be expected in the absence of a decent floor covering.

Threaten court action if they even think about doing this. Send a strongly worded letter to the agent with a copy to the landlord and don't let them mess you about. Judges in my experience laugh these matters out of court and have been known to make damning remarks about such unscrupulous people. A half-decent presentation would drive a coach & horses through the landlord's case. Unfortunately it doesn't stop them getting away with it! :mad: