Getting deposits off landlords,,,

[Hitch78]

Moved house last week and our landlord is being somewhat distant. In his only communication to date he is claiming that the property needs to be professionally cleaned and painted and that we can have what is left over from the deposit.

Short of going to ace any buying a shovel and inviting him for a chat in the desert (kidding of course, m'lord!) what can I do to prevent him ripping me off? I had a look at the RERA website and it seems a massive ball ache - I think that my landlord knows this.

I'm not massively bothered as my deposit was paid by my company and they're not expecting it back so I'm not out of pocket...but it would go a long way towards some nice kit for the Wrongler and more than anything I hate feeling like I am being bent over and thoroughly abused.

Any ideas?

[Asterix]

I always thought that the clean and paint was the responsibility of the landlord.

Both places I've left have paid the full deposit back.

I think your guy is being an arse because he knows that it will probably cost you time and money to try and get it all back.

[oilydan]

I had landlords wanting Springs/Ranches villas returned to 'as new' condition and withheld deposit until it was painted and the standard light fittings replaced (I had fitted Ikea hanging fittings rather than the standard bulb in the ceiling).

I did some 'rewiring' before we handed keys back.

Last landlord withheld 2K for re-painting.

[dxbtiger]

I'd give RERA a call in the first instance, they are a toothless tiger as far as enforcing any decrees, laws and such like but may give you some terminology that you can quote that will make him think twice about being a .

Do you have a copy of your tenancy contract to hand? Most of it is standard format but there is a section for adding clauses, might be worth a look.

My understanding is fair wear and tear is acceptable and the landlords responsibility to make new