I recently moved out of a 2 bed/1 bath flat I had lived in for 2 years (2 tenancies).
For the first tenancy, which was with flatmate A, our lease included 1 bed (+ other furniture) which was in flatmate A's room meaning I brought my own bed. The flat was not professionally cleaned by the last tennants due to 'moving issues', however, the cleanliness of the house was not documented in photos and likewise the landlord did not complete or share an 'inventory report' with myself and flatmate A upon move in.
For my second tenancy, which was with flatmate B, our lease included 2 beds (+ other furniture) however this was not caught before the lease was signed. The flat still included the original/landlord owned bed and my own bed in my room, so there was never a new bed added by the landlord. Likewise, from the first tenancy to the second, the carpets in the bedrooms and stairs were not professionally cleaned and again no photo documentation or 'inventory report' completed and shared with myself and flatbate b upon the new lease.
Now that I am moving out my landlord is proposing that she is going to deduct money for the professional cleaning of the carpets stating that it is 'due to the fact I had a dog' (note was approved in the lease) and she 'could have charged for the extra bed that should have been there but is going to provide grace to me on the bed situation as she can't remember if the flat had a bed or not'. Note that I did clean my room and the flat myself, and provided photos to the landlord upon it being done which she only followed up on 4-5 days later.
I've reviewed the lease and it states 'the landlord may charge for cleaning if alternate arrangements aren't made' but with this language it does't state that a professional cleaning is required (which she has said is in the lease). If it's required, then why am I being charged when the flat wasn't cleaned before my 1st or 2nd tenancy is my concern as well.
Given the above with the vagueness of the process and likewise no photo evidence of inventory or pre and post-tenancy move in/out state, does this seem fair?
I have paid in the past for cleaning where reports were generated, but my concern is lack of process and that I am being charged with the cleaning due to having a dog when professional carpet cleaning wasn't completed for 2 years so feels like I am the scapegoat to now pay for this.
If you could share your opinion whether you think this is fair or not I would appreciate it. TY!