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Posting on behalf of my sister regarding Bear Lettings (Southend-on-Sea).
A £200 cleaning deduction was applied at the end of the tenancy. No itemized breakdown or evidence of professional cleaning was provided, only a basic invoice.
At move-in, the only smoke alarm in the 2-bedroom property was not operational due to missing battery, despite being recorded as operational at check-in.
Submitted photographic and video evidence documenting the condition of the property at the start of the tenancy was provided in advance but was not referenced in the assessment of the case.
The basis for the cleaning charge was not clearly evidenced within the documentation provided, and formal quotations or supporting invoices were not issued prior to the request for payment.
Jade Bacon was helpful in resolving an earlier issue.
Notice: For any party engaging with this branch—tenant, landlord, buyer, or contractor—ensure that all stages of the process are independently documented and acknowledged in writing at the time of inspection. This includes property condition records, any proposed deductions, and supporting evidence prior to agreement. Reliance on retrospective or office-generated summaries may not provide sufficient transparency.... Read more
15th Apr 2026 (20 days ago)