Hedge cutting on a Rental Property With No Deposit Returned

I have been asked by a friend who has been in a rented property my thoughts on the following

two weeks before move out date my friend has cut all hedges in the garden as per his tenancy agreement, when handing back the keys the agent has said he had not cut the hedges and would not be returning the deposit

Its a little vague as I dont know the type of hedge or his cutting ability

He asked me the question is it possible for hedges to look untidy in two weeks or are the estate agent pulling one?

My reply was something along the lines of the following

The weather in cornwall has been 20 degrees with showers or rain which is ideal to grow just about anything, it does depend on the hedge species but it is possible if it supposed to be ornate it could look untidy in two weeks, if it is not ornate then it should still look ok although this does depend on how much it has grown before. and how much you cut it back etc. As far as the deposit goes you may have to juct suck it up and trim again although it does seem a bit harsh

What would your thoughts be? I appreciate its a tricky one without seeing it but could shrubs have grown to be untidy in two weeks in june? Has anyone encountered anything similar? what have you done?

Thanks for your help!

Graham

If it's something like Lonicera Nitida it could well have got a bit straggly in a couple of weeks, or it might have been badly cut.

The deposit is held in an independant account, and he can appeal it. The agent MUST have taken pictures at the beginning and end of the tenancy, and this will clearly show if it was left in the same condition it was at the start. If the agent can't show evidence I think he'd have a good claim. Conversely, if he cut them too far in advance of leaving and they did regrow, or if they were left too long and then hacked badly, then it's fair to keep something back from the deposit. The amount should be fair, and again this can be challenged.

Personally, if he feels they should have a once-over I'd offer to go back, or get someone in himself, and take plenty of pictures. The agent will charge a fortune, and probably be making a fat mark-up on what a contractor charges!

Replies

Paul McNulty June 12, 2013 at 2:01pm

If it's something like Lonicera Nitida it could well have got a bit straggly in a couple of weeks, or it might have been badly cut.

The deposit is held in an independant account, and he can appeal it. The agent MUST have taken pictures at the beginning and end of the tenancy, and this will clearly show if it was left in the same condition it was at the start. If the agent can't show evidence I think he'd have a good claim. Conversely, if he cut them too far in advance of leaving and they did regrow, or if they were left too long and then hacked badly, then it's fair to keep something back from the deposit. The amount should be fair, and again this can be challenged.

Personally, if he feels they should have a once-over I'd offer to go back, or get someone in himself, and take plenty of pictures. The agent will charge a fortune, and probably be making a fat mark-up on what a contractor charges!
Graham Griffiths June 12, 2013 at 2:28pm

Thanks for your reply Paul!