can landlord keep portion of deposit for fingerprints around switches and small mould patch in shower?

Answer 1

Check the wording of your rental agreement carefully. A reputable landlord (are there any?) would not charge or hold back on your deposit for things considered "fair wear and tear". It sounds like your landlord is trying it on, assuming your description of the problem is fair and accurate.

If you are a student talk to the housing officer at your university/college. If you are a private renter contact the letting agency you got the property from.

If you didn't go through a letting agent then contact your local citizens advice bureau.

Answer 2

Let's face it, landlords are in it for the money and many regard the deposit as a bonus for them and will pick on just about anything to keep your money. On top of that they will inflate the costs of repairs and then claim the money back on their tax return as part of the expenses of letting the house. Its about time these buy to let businesses - because that's what they are - were properly taxed and regulated.
Clean off the fingerprints. Clean up the mould if you can just so the landlord can't rip you off - but it may be that the mould is caused by something thats the landlords fault like poor ventilation or even old grouting that should have been replaced. OK, if you dont clean the shower you could get mould between the tiles but a 'patch' sounds more like a problem with a leak or bad workmanship.
If the landlord keeps your money unfairly you can get it back through the small claims court. See website listed below (English info) - or contact Shelter or Shelter Scotland.

Answer 3

It sounds like it isn't just the fingerprints and the mould but the general condition of the place, if it isn't clean then he has every right to take part and more of the deposit because he'll only have to be the one cleaning up after you when you've gone.

Answer 4

You should leave the place in the same condition it was in the day you moved in. Clean it up.

Get a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and wipe off the fingerprints. Don't scrup to hard or the paint will come off.

As of the mold patch, bleach water should be able to clean that up: 1 cup of bleach mixed in 1 gallon of water. You can add a little dish soap to the bleach water to cut dirt and oil on the wall that can hold mold. With good ventilation, apply the bleach water mix to the surface with a sponge, let it sit for 15 minutes, then thoroughly dry the surface. Be sure to wear a dust mask, rubber gloves and open lots of windows when cleaning with bleach water.

Answer 5

He probably could, my landlord was equally fussy. They are only allowed to keep the amount that it costs to repair it though. Could you offer to clean the mould patch (bleach gets rid of it) and around the switches before the landlord's final inspection of the house? Do the best you can, and you shouldn't lose too much.

Answer 6

You have to leave the place in the same condition as when you moved in fingerprints on the light switches seems a bit over the top, but mould in the shower seems fair. if it is either going to take their time to clean it up or cost them to employ a cleaner to do it then why shouldn't you pay. If you think your being screwed though take them or threaten to take them to the small claims court to get your money back.

Answer 7

A good question.

It is very hard to keep a grotty flat in good nick.

Don't forget you are paying lots of dosh every week. You have to go to work to pay for it and there is not that much time to clear every single bit of dirt.

The deposit is often seen as a premium for finding scarce property and it is hard to get any of it back. Most people miss out the last two months payments of rent and skip the deposit.

Renting is just bad news.

Some people are just untidy and others want everything spick and spotless.

Tidiness is boring.

Answer 8

Suppose it depends how much he want to keep back. It would probably be cheaper if you sort the two problems out yourself. Finger prints easily clean off and mould patch in shower can be bleached or replace the silicone ( if that is what is mouldy ) as that would only cost about £5 which is probaby cheaper than what he wants to keep.

Answer 9

It really depends if the 'fingerprints' etc. can easily be washed off..it sounds a bit extreme, I would have thought he/she would be entitled to charge you for cleaning the property.

However, I would try to clean the marks off yourself - your landlord expects you to return the property in the condition that you found it when you moved in. That's fair isn't it?

If however, the marks can't be washed off & therefore the property is in need of redecoration then he may be entitled to charge more - but we don't know the whole story.

Answer 10

Hmmm. I would argue that that's fair wear and tear, which shouldn't come out of the deposit. However to be safe you're probably best trying to make good. Lots of landlords will jump at the chance to charge you for anything.