International Students -

Tenancy Deposits

Could you advise me regarding the following, two international students rented a proeprty from a well known (in our area) estate/letting agent. on the 4th of May 2010 they vacated the property and a check out inspection was completed in their presence. the landlord was aware that they would be returning to Iraq on the 13th of May, returning to the UK on the 25th September. when they contacted the DPS tehy were advised that the landlord had completed a 'Statutory Declaration' and that the deposit had been returnd to him to "re-decorate, repair window handles and cleaning".

The property was refurbished in 2005, and the inventory supplied by the agent is dated the 2nd August 2007. no mention is made of broken window handles, some flaking of paint and that the tenants had infact improved the condition of the carpets.

I have written to the agent requesting an explanation, pointing out that the re-decoration was possibly as a result of there being 5 years since the property was last decorated. I would be grateful of your views and the next option for us.

Thank You

Mair Owen