Tenant left furious over landlord's shock $300 fee for issue that happens in almost every home: 'Excuse me?'
Landlord Neil sent an email to renter Lauren after completing the end-of-lease inspection, informing her that he would be deducting money from her bond.
'Unfortunately, we've had to deduct £150 ($A312) due to a blocked shower drain, which our plumber confirmed was caused by hair buildup. This isn't considered fair wear and tear, so it's a tenant liability,' Neil's email read.
Clearly furious with the email, Lauren replied: 'Sorry, £150 ($A312) for HAIR? You're seriously trying to charge me for having hair that falls out when I shower?
'Is that not something that happens to literally every human being?'
Neil responded, insisting his charge was reasonable because the plumber had to remove, clean and reassemble the shower drain due to her clogged hair.
'We've never had this issue with other tenants. The plumber said the drain was completely blocked with hair and soap scum,' the landlord explained.
'It required removal, cleaning, and reassembly. This is excessive use and goes beyond standard cleaning. Again, not wear and tear.'
Refusing to back down, Lauren fired back: 'Neil, I lived there for 18 months. I washed my hair. That's not "excessive use". That's being a clean adult.
'You think it's fine to pocket £150 ($A312) of my money because YOU didn't maintain the pipes? Let me be very clear. This isn't resolved. I'll be raising a dispute with TDS (Tenancy Deposit Scheme). And I'll be sharing this ridiculous charge far and wide.'
However, the landlord was adamant that he was standing by his charge.
'You're welcome to raise a dispute. But if you'd flagged the blockage before moving out, we could've addressed it sooner. Instead, it was left for us to resolve. The charge stands,' he responded.
Lauren said she never 'flagged' the blockage because she thought the water was 'draining fine' during her tenancy.
'Maybe because I cleaned the trap regularly? Maybe because I'm not a troll? Your plumber found hair... shocking! On a planet of mammals. You're charging me for being a woman who showers. See you in dispute,' she hit back in her response.
It's unclear what happened between the landlord and tenant - but British property strategist Jack Rooke re-shared the email exchange on his social media channel.
'Some of the things you hear about landlords trying to get away with in disputes is crazy - but no, he's in the wrong here. He can't charge for that,' Jack said.
The landlord was adamant that he was standing by his charge
'£150 ($A312) deducted for "having hair". This is exactly why landlords get a bad reputation.
'Normal wear and tear is never a tenant charge. These cases only create disputes, stress, and wasted time.
'We make sure deposits are handled fairly so landlords stay protected and tenants don't feel taken advantage of. That way both sides get a fair outcome.'
His video has been viewed more than 30,000 times with many siding with the renter.
'Tell the landlord where to stick it. I'll see you in court - that simple,' one suggested, laughing.
'The moment I stepped into my new rental I took photos and did a video walk through. It's clear the landlord and previous tenants didn't look after the property,' another explained.
One person pointed out: 'Well I mean if the plumber charged that much then...' However, another quickly chimed in, saying: 'It's still irrelevant. The landlord eats the cost. Because whether you like it or not, it IS wear and tear.'
Meanwhile, many shared their own experiences after they had money deducted from the house bond following an end-of-lease clean.
'I think I got £70 ($A145) deducted for the oven "not being clean" and that wasn't me staying up until 3am scrubbing it clean. I just paid it because I wanted out,' one said.
'We got £150 ($A312) taken from our deposit because of paint dust on one of the skirting boards. Landlords are unreal,' another shared.
'My previous landlord tried to charge me for all the existing damage to the property that was there when I moved in. Inventory and pictures for evidence in dispute and I won! Never accept a landlord taking the mick,' one revealed.
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