advice required regarding landlord asking me to pay for water damage to apartment

Hi,


I wonder if anyone could help with some advice. I vacated my apartment 3 weeks ago. Yesterday I received an email from my landlord advising that due to 'extensive water damage' the living room floor neeeded to be replaced and that I was liable for this cost.


Before I moved out the air conditioning unit leaked and had to be repaired and the washing machine flooded on 2 occasions (and had to be repaired). I advised my landlord immediately in both instances and despite them being repaired I told the landlord that due to these faulty appliances 2 of the floor boards were loose and would need to be looked at. Should I be paying for damage caused by faulty appliances provided by the landlord? Also, is it approriate to ask for photos of this damage? When I moved out it was a couple of loose floor boards not 'extensive damage'.


I have checked my tenancy agreement and it contains no clause regarding the tenants requirement to pay in such circumstances.


Any advice would be greatly appreciated,


Many Thanks

Rachel

Do you have any documentation of the damages? Photos, e-mails back and forth about the appliances? Unless you really did some actual damage is sounds like he is probably just bullying you in hopes of getting a new floor. How about the deposit, did he fully pay it back or did you just not pay the last two months and bail?

I havent received my deposit back yet!

ok so this is a clear case where the landlord tries to deduct some money from your deposit.


follow the steps described above and you might see something of your deposit again (if you are lucky).


usually people do not pay the last two months rent or at least get a check right when returning the keys

Thanks for your advice.


I spoke to my landlord, and unbelievably, its the letting agent that told her that I should be paying for this 'damage' !

In most Tenancy Agreements the Tenant is required to repair any broken household appliances, and return the property to the Landlord in a similar condition to when it was let. This includes air conditioners, refridgerators and washing machines.

If you do not have a specific clause in the agreement that states the Landlord is responsible for the repair or replacement of broken down appliances, then it is your responsibility. This includes any damage to property in the apartment.

Did you pay for the repair of the appliances when they broke down? Or did the Landlord accept responsibility? This may help push it back on them if they did.

Be sure to demand at least three quotes for the repair work, try to arrange your own contractor, and try to be there for the inspections.

Small claims court won't help if you don't have a supporting clause in your contract. Chances are that threatening them with action won't help either. Even if they're not certain about the ins & outs of their contract, it sounds like this agent is going to keep them informed.