Damage Deposit

Tenancy Deposits

What can I reasonably expect to deduct from the deposit if the tenant leaves with damage to the carpet, it isn't a stain or anything, it actually looks like something hot has been left on the carpet and has burnt its way through to the underlay, the damage is 3 line about 6 inches long and half an inch thick.

The damaged obviously can't be cleaned, so effictively the carpet needs replacing really, the carpet was brand new when the tenant moved in (last year) and the inventory states this (and tenant signed the inventory).

Can I claim for a new carpet for the whole room approx 12x 12 room, if so, what do I need to do to claim for this?, The deposit is secured with the DPS, do I send a photo of the damage to the DPS along with an estimate for the cost of a replacement?.

I've never done this before, so as much help as possible would be great, my tenant is due to leave at the end of this week via the baliffs, so I don't expect them to be there to do the check out inventory with me (did the inventory myself with photo's etc and will do check out inventory myself).

Thanks