Landlord charging the full cost of a replacement mattress, do I have a leg to stand on?
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Standard wear and tear that.
You could ask the CAB for a helping hand, it might require a bit of toing and froing with the landlord though.
This. Unless they can prove the stain wasn't
a) there before you moved in,
and
b) caused in the month! since you've moved out
they don't have a leg to stand on.
The real question is why have you let them hold onto your deposit for a month?!
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Yes. You should pay for a new matress. That's minging. Next time use a matress topper and a sock.
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Even then I think a bull is more likely.
Nah it's just urine.
Even if OP did do it, and even if it does legitimately need to be completely replaced, op shouldn't be liable for the whole cost.
If you buy a cheapo mattress you reasonably expect it to last 3 years, say (just an example). If op's actions caused them to have to replace after 2 years then he should be liable for at most 33%. It's not op's responsibility to 'make better'/replace new for old.
This is the same as if you spill paint on 30 year old carpet - you're not liable for the whole cost of new carpet - you did only mess up a well worn carpet that probably needed replacing anyway...
If you buy a cheapo mattress you reasonably expect it to last 3 years, say (just an example). If op's actions caused them to have to replace after 2 years then he should be liable for at most 33%. It's not op's responsibility to 'make better'/replace new for old.
This is the same as if you spill paint on 30 year old carpet - you're not liable for the whole cost of new carpet - you did only mess up a well worn carpet that probably needed replacing anyway...
Firstly, tell them to **** off. Secondly, tell them to **** right off.
Then, maybe get them to prove with photos that the stain wasn't there to start with. Insist it was and they haven't got a leg to stand on. They're the ones trying to charge you so they have to prove it.
Then, ask them what tenancy deposit scheme your deposit was kept in. Then ask them why you didn't have that in writing within 30 days of you moving in. https://www.gov.uk/tenancy-deposit-protection/information-landlords-must-give-tenants (or https://www.mydeposits.co.uk/tenants/student-tenants )
If they haven't done that then you'll get it all back, no questions.
If it's not in a scheme then you can take them to the cleaners (lol); you'll get it all back plus an extra reimbursement (which I'm afraid I can't currently find a useful link for). They also should have informed you of their intent to withhold any money from you within 7-10 days (I forget which, I'm trying to find a link too), so you can also screw them from that side.
And if you don't want to get into all that, I'm sure it would be counted as 'reasonable wear and tear' to be honest.
Did I cover every angle ok? God I hate landlords.
EDIT: This is useful: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Documents/Advice factsheets/Housing/h-tenancy-deposits.pdf
Then, maybe get them to prove with photos that the stain wasn't there to start with. Insist it was and they haven't got a leg to stand on. They're the ones trying to charge you so they have to prove it.
Then, ask them what tenancy deposit scheme your deposit was kept in. Then ask them why you didn't have that in writing within 30 days of you moving in. https://www.gov.uk/tenancy-deposit-protection/information-landlords-must-give-tenants (or https://www.mydeposits.co.uk/tenants/student-tenants )
If they haven't done that then you'll get it all back, no questions.
If it's not in a scheme then you can take them to the cleaners (lol); you'll get it all back plus an extra reimbursement (which I'm afraid I can't currently find a useful link for). They also should have informed you of their intent to withhold any money from you within 7-10 days (I forget which, I'm trying to find a link too), so you can also screw them from that side.
And if you don't want to get into all that, I'm sure it would be counted as 'reasonable wear and tear' to be honest.
Did I cover every angle ok? God I hate landlords.
EDIT: This is useful: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Documents/Advice factsheets/Housing/h-tenancy-deposits.pdf
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