Tenancy deposit schemes

[cuneus]

Sideways Rich said:

S6PNJ, thanks very much will go via that route

Well before you get to that route you will have to open a dispute with the relevant deposit protection scheme.

This is evidence based therefore I hope you have a good inventory

If the above goes against you a judge at small claims will take a very dim view of your case (IMHO)

[S6PNJ]

Absolutely agree about the inventory! The main reason for choosing the Letting agency that I did was down to their inventory - lots of colour photos and a good description. The judge referred to this in both of my cases and it was the main evidence used against the tenant.

[cuneus]

S6PNJ said:

Absolutely agree about the inventory! The main reason for choosing the Letting agency that I did was down to their inventory - lots of colour photos and a good description. The judge referred to this in both of my cases and it was the main evidence used against the tenant.

That's a good start - did the tenant sign that inventory ?

[audidoody]

Write the damage off as a business expense. Don't bother with courts, or any legal fees,

Courts don't like landlords. I know of what I speak

I had a correct Tenancy Agreement and a Professional Inventory Report.

The damage was beyond dispute,

I lost the case.

[S6PNJ]

cuneus said:

S6PNJ said:

Absolutely agree about the inventory! The main reason for choosing the Letting agency that I did was down to their inventory - lots of colour photos and a good description. The judge referred to this in both of my cases and it was the main evidence used against the tenant.

That's a good start - did the tenant sign that inventory ?

oh yes!

audidoody said:

Write the damage off as a business expense. Don't bother with courts, or any legal fees,

Courts don't like landlords. I know of what I speak

I had a correct Tenancy Agreement and a Professional Inventory Report.

The damage was beyond dispute,

I lost the case.

If your ducks are in line and you have the correct (signed) documentation and have followed the rules correctly, the judge will follow what is right (note I haven't said will support the Landlord! Each case needs to be judged on its own merits and I clearly cannot comment on yours as I don't know the details). In both of my court cases, I simply presented the facts, remained calm. My tenants both got upset and started annoying the judge which probably helped me as well.

[Sideways Rich]

cuneus said:

That's a good start - did the tenant sign that inventory ?

Yes to both, lots of evidence and a signed inventory.