New Tenant Complaint About Painting

General Discussion

I have 2 properties in Northern Ireland I let out for some years and so far not much problem with both houses. Most calls out are worth to call plumber or need me to call someone to handle. I privately manage the property with my husband. 

New tenants moved in yesterday and I received long whatsapp texts today that the house painting is bad, old tenant left scratches in walls, tiny holes, screws on floor (it looks like TV brackets) although they viewed the house and happy with the condition thats why we picked them. When old tenant moved out of course I did inspection and it was in good & habitable state i didnt bother about scratches on wall it’s a normal wear and tear. I repaid their full deposit. New tenant want me to go half half with them for painting and decoration. My tenancy agreement clearly stated " Tenant responsibility: Internal decoration- To keep the interior of their home in reasonable decorative order. Landlord responsibility: Internal decoration-none."

My heart says I don’t really wanna do it because the house in general is in great and comfortable state compare to the market in the area and I know the demand for rental property is high in the country. I never had problems finding good tenants. I know 100% if they rent from Housing Executive they wont get anyone sent to paint walls and fill tiny holes for them. But since I'm private landords, I'm not sure what to do in this situation.

Any advise? Really appreciate it!

best regards,

AnnMarie