Dispute with landlord

[GregMac]

I've recently moved out of my flat and am dealing the with landlord regarding the return of my deposit, which was protected with mydeposits. The landlord has listed a number of repairs be carried out and deductions made, which I disagree with. They include items which he states himself are fair wear and tear, such as deep cleaning carpets, as well as damaged caused by workmen that he instructed to replace an appliance, and which I notified him of immediately.

Do any of you have experience of how likely I would be to successfully contest these charges? Despite raising concerns when we moved in, no inventory was carried out. I understand the dispute process is evidence-based, and my worry is that he has current pictures of a flat that is in fairly poor condition (as it was when I moved in), but I have nothing beyond my word due to the lack of check-in.

He's being reasonable by suggesting carrying out work himself to keep costs down, but it sticks in my craw being charged to repair things that I've had to live with for the past two years, let alone damage caused by his workmen.

[GregMac]

Thanks for the replies chaps, much appreciated.

[GregMac]

Lopey said:

Landlord has to prove a financial loss to force you to pay for any damage. For example, if property has been relet to another tenant for the same rental fee as you have been paying, then there is no financial loss. If there is no tenant lined up to take over, then the landlord has to provide receipts/invoices to prove he has suffered a loss getting the repairs done. When it comes to wear and tear, you will only need to pay a % of the replacement cost.

I assume you have evidence in writing that you informed the landlord about the damage caused by workmen?

I do.

[GregMac]

Nothing about deep cleaning in the agreement (and it certainly wasn't done before I moved in!)

Been there a couple of years and didn't document anything when I left, just made sure it was all clean and tidy and how I'd found it.

[GregMac]

I've given him the good news, so we'll see what comes back. I've offered to contribute 25% of the cost for the sake of an easy life. Am I correct in thinking that he now has to return the deposit bar that which is being disputed? Eg he can't now decide to move the goalposts and say he wants the entire deposit?