Generation Rent wants landlord fines for exaggerating deposit claims
3 weeks ago | 9 comments
My tenant deducted rent amount without my permission?
12:01 AM, 28th September 2026, 3 weeks ago
10
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Hello, A kitchen corner of the ceiling and a bathroom leak were fixed by builder in 2 days. The tenant emailed me on 31 July 26 that repairs are satisfactory and she requested deduction of rent for 5 days due to loss of essential facilities, disruption and additional cleaning they have to carry.
The builder did remove and clean dust/debris.
Before my reply or written permission, the tenant deducted £508.35 from the rent and paid the rest on 01/08/2026 (just within a day).
Can a tenant deduct an amount from rent?
Where do I stand and how do I recover this rent?
Normally, she pays rent on 15th of each month.
Thank you.
Tags:
Landlord repairs, recovering rent arrears, tenant disputes, tenant rent deductions, unpaid rent, withholding rent
10 comments on this article
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Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1617 - Articles: 1
9:36 AM, 28th September 2026, About 3 weeks ago
No they cannot.
Formal written letter to the tenant(s) stating that the sum of £508.35 is treated as arrears until paid, a breach of their tenancy agreement and payment is required.
Could refer to the tenancy agreement for any late payment clauses for interest etc.
Member Since October 2021 - Comments: 66
10:20 AM, 28th September 2026, About 3 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Judith Wordsworth at 28/09/2026 – 09:36
What you have written in this post about the work done , cleanliness etc should be sent to the tenant in writing.
The shadow of a dilapidation claim is lurking. Ours tried this, said she had to get remedial work done by builders who threatened her in front of her kids etc.
Turns out the remedial builder was her dad.!
Get everything in writing.
Pg
Member Since September 2023 - Comments: 30
11:08 AM, 28th September 2026, About 3 weeks ago
No context in your post.
How much is the monthly rent?
If it’s a high end property with £20k pcm rent then be grateful. Or is it £600.00 pcm then take action.
I guess a discount would be a sensible compromise.
Member Since February 2016 - Comments: 195 - Articles: 1
2:57 PM, 28th September 2026, About 3 weeks ago
Doesn’t sound realistic to me. A homeowner would be hard pushed to turn that around within 2 days. This can happen to anyone, it’s just one of those things likely beyond your control – and you fixed it super quick!
The tenant needs a reality check and a polite reminder that her full rent remains due.
Member Since November 2020 - Comments: 144
4:46 PM, 28th September 2026, About 3 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by David Smith at 28/09/2026 – 11:08
If £508.35 was 5 days rent, then the monthly rent would be that figure times 6 (if a 30-day month).
Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 727 - Articles: 1
11:22 PM, 28th September 2026, About 3 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by David Smith at 28/09/2026 – 11:08
no. a discount sets a bad precedent. landlord does not guarantee that nothing bad will ever happen!!!!
Member Since October 2023 - Comments: 50
8:37 AM, 29th September 2026, About 3 weeks ago
Sounds like an entitled tenant, and will try anything.
Member Since May 2023 - Comments: 2
11:40 AM, 3rd October 2026, About 2 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by David Smith at 28/09/2026 – 11:08
Hi David .Thank you for the comment Monthly rent is £2550 in Wembley
Member Since May 2023 - Comments: 2
11:43 AM, 3rd October 2026, About 2 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Judith Wordsworth at 28/09/2026 – 09:36
Thank you judith.
Agreement says Full rent must be paid everymonth and there should be no rent deduction without written permission.
Member Since June 2017 - Comments: 161
1:55 PM, 9th October 2026, About 1 week ago
Unless your rental agreement specifically allows rent deductions for anything, the contract for paying the rent is usually unaffected by any repairs issue. If you’re not confident of the rental agreement is wording, I would seek clarification from a professional. Personally, I’m completely confident that, based on my agreements, no such deduction is permitted. I would be classing this as rent arrears & as previously noted, writing to the tenant to explain the reasons why it is considered a such.