Maintenance Repair to Property Tenant Liable to Pay 0 READ NOTES IN LETTER *

Should a situation arise where the tenant has caused damage? The tenant must be informed of the cost. Such a letter may form part of the evidence in a deposit dispute or civil action for recovery of monies. This subject is so complicated and you MUST be cautious of what is reasonable and is it a charge contrary to Tenant fee Ban – so call because you cannot risk a counter claim LEGAL COMPLIANCE CHECK Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 ? Now compliant • landlord still responsible for core repairs • tenant liable only for: o damage caused o failure to report worsening issue ________________________________________ Tenant Fees Act 2019 ? Compliant • no unlawful charge demanded • framed as damages / loss, not a “fee” ________________________________________ Housing Act 2004 ? Strong alignment • recognises: o agreement o deposit route o evidence requirement ________________________________________ Overall Compliance Status ? Legally defensible ________________________________________ 3. RISK & IMPROVEMENT NOTES ________________________________________ What we fixed ? moved to “may be recoverable” ? invited response ? kept pressure but allowed discussion ? aligned with deposit process ________________________________________ 4. PIMS PRACTICAL INSIGHT This is a classic landlord trap situation. In real life: Tenants say: • “I didn’t know” • “it wasn’t my fault” • “it’s normal wear and tear” ________________________________________ What wins cases: ? evidence of delay in reporting ? contractor opinion ? timeline ? reasonable landlord response ________________________________________ This letter now: ? sets out the issue ? introduces liability ? opens negotiation ? preserves your position ________________________________________ 5. STRATEGIC NOTE (VERY IMPORTANT) You should rarely demand payment upfront. Better approach: ?? Let the tenant: • accept liability ? pay • deny liability ? deposit route ________________________________________ Why this works: • avoids dispute escalation • keeps you reasonable • strengthens position in adjudication

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