Keeping part of deposit

Tax Planning and Financial

I have just had a tenant move out of a property after almost three years. We had completeley renovated the house before she moved in including new kitchen and appliances, new bathroom and tiling, new flooring and redecoration.

I have just inspected the property to find the expected level of marks to the carpets and paintwork, however I am totally disgusted by the filth left in the kitchen and bathroom. There is fungus growing out of the wall in the kitchen which she has never informed me about which will take a fair amount of work to put right now. I think moisture is coming in from the downpipe which runs behind the wall. If she had told me about it when it started I could have had it treated before any damage was done.

She has also painted the lounge walls (dark brown) but has done such a shabby job it's unbelievable. There is even paint on the curtains and wall lights!!

My question is can I retain part of her deposit for the cost of getting the kitchen properly cleaned, the mould treated and the lounge redecorated. I have had to drop the price of the property by £15 per month.

Thanks,
Caryn