Just as I was gathering information from a family friend (who is also a property solicitor) and reading up on tenant’s rights and building up a head of steam in order to take on Mrs B…she rang us. She told us everything seems to have checked out so she was putting our cheque in the post. Sure enough, this morning it landed on our doormat. So, before it really started, it’s all over. I’m still annoyed that she took so long and had us jump through so many hoops to get what was rightfully ours, but it’s such a relief to have it sorted. Much as we were in the right, it was still a scary thought that we would have to get into a nasty fight over it all. In the end I think it came down to the fact that she realised she had no excuse not to pay us…much as she tried to find one. Either that or she does read this blog and you guys shamed her into paying us!
Things I’ve learned from this:
1. Make sure all contracts are in order and that the landlord/lady is registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board so if any trouble comes up you can go through them.
2. Take photographs and make notes that detail the condition of the house when you move in. Agree on them with your landlord/lady and get them to sign them.
3. Take photographs the day you move out to show you have left the house in the same condition as when you moved in.
4. Keep all receipts of final bills.
5. Be friendly with your landlords but don’t get lax about the official stuff.
Thanks for all the comments and good advice everyone.
4 replies on “Maybe She Does Read This”
Hi Claire. Glad you got a result at last.
I know it ain’t easy but No. 6. on your list of what learned might be to aspire to your own house some day and have no landlords to annoy you.
Ah yes, that would be numbers 6 through 100! Although these days it feels more like a pipe dream than an aspiration.
Glad it was all sorted, very stressful for you I know, but at least you have your cash back. She was well out of order and I wouldn’t have been have as polite about it as you were.
🙂