Tenant deductions for defrosting a large freezer?

Tenant deductions for defrosting a large freezer?

by Readers Question

Guest Author

9:42 AM, 3rd July 2024, About 5 days ago 22

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Hi everyone, as the student changeover season has now begun, can anyone advise on a reasonable charge for defrosting a large upright freezer left fully iced up by the exiting tenants?

I can list it under ‘missed cleaning’ but what’s a reasonable cost for work involved?

Thanks very much for any advice on this.

Lord


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Comments

DPT

12:40 PM, 3rd July 2024, About 5 days ago

Reply to the comment left by Fraser Hopewell at 03/07/2024 - 11:47
Yes, it may be possible for the landlord to claim for their time if they defrost it, but only if the court/deposit scheme accepts that this was part of the required end of tenancy cleaning regime by the tenant. Unless this was spelled out, it may be regarded as just part of a landlords normal duties and then wouldn't be claimable.

dismayed landlord

13:27 PM, 3rd July 2024, About 5 days ago

Reply to the comment left by Colin Dartnell at 03/07/2024 - 10:05
lol🤣🤣🤣

Grumpy Doug

15:07 PM, 3rd July 2024, About 5 days ago

All my houses are student properties. I train them to make sure all food is eaten or disposed of before tenancy end. A day or so I just defrost the freezer with a pile of old towels at the bottom to catch the water. If the weather is good, I'll even carry it outside with one of my sons and just defrost it with the doors open. That has the added advantage that you can hose it out before bringing back indoors. Concentrate your efforts on making sure all their stuff is cleared out and getting them to accept the cleaning bill

Ross Tulloch

22:00 PM, 3rd July 2024, About 5 days ago

I assume this is a wind up. Nothing of course just part of life

Paddy O'Dawes

10:45 AM, 4th July 2024, About 4 days ago

Reply to the comment left by Grumpy Doug at 03/07/2024 - 15:07
Ignoring the tenancy side of this, do you provide a consultancy service for training people of student age to clean up after themselves? The interest will be astronomical, I'm ready to invest.

havens havens

20:29 PM, 4th July 2024, About 4 days ago

Dealing with student changeovers can be quite a task, especially when you encounter issues like a fully iced-up freezer left behind. From my experience in property management, handling a job like defrosting a large upright freezer typically involves a few hours of labor, depending on the ice buildup.

In terms of cost, it's reasonable to consider factors like the time invested by the cleaner or handyman, plus any materials used for the job. I've found that charges can vary, but in many areas, a fair price might range from $50 to $150. It's also wise to factor in any disposal costs for the melted ice and ensure that the quality of work meets your standards.

Paddy O'Dawes

14:15 PM, 5th July 2024, About 3 days ago

Reply to the comment left by havens havens at 04/07/2024 - 20:29
Disposal costs for melted ice? You mean water that goes down the sink? By the currency I can see you are from the US but seriously would that fly as a charge even in the US.

Colin Dartnell

14:34 PM, 5th July 2024, About 3 days ago

Reply to the comment left by Marlena Topple at 03/07/2024 - 10:46
Chest freezers are much harder to thaw out and clean, you have to dive in to reach the water in the bottom and mop it all up. A massive no no.

TheMaluka

16:33 PM, 5th July 2024, About 3 days ago

Reply to the comment left by Colin Dartnell at 05/07/2024 - 14:34
A wet vacuum cleaner solves the problem with chest freezers.

Judith Wordsworth

10:13 AM, 6th July 2024, About 2 days ago

Reply to the comment left by TheMaluka at 03/07/2024 - 10:09
Haha love the reply.

Gas and electric yes but never ever seen a wind-up freezer, lol.

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