Hi All, Firstly THANK YOU for everyone’s help. It has been most useful.
I went totally silent with the original tenant and also the non-tenant.
I was receiving texts as I put a claim in for the full 5 weeks deposit.
Long story short and you probably already heard many horror stories, the property was handed back in an unacceptable condition but not the worst I have seen.
Most upsetting was that the non tenant has drilled into the conservatory double glazing in so many places to hang flower baskets.
Carpets with many stains, cooker hood had to be replaced as he threw out the filter housing.
Garden was a jungle. He smoked in the house and threw out the smoke detectors and CO monitor, which I found in a bucket outside.
The tenant started making ridiculous claims. Basically all was good when she handed it back or was like that when I handed property to her.
I then started receiving threats from the non-tenant to hand back the full deposit or his lads were going to pay me a visit.
Anyhow, I knew I could 100% demonstrate in court if ADR was unsuccessful why I was claiming the full deposit which included a few days rent arrears.
The hassle and stress was my only concern.
At the 11th hour tenant came back with an offer of 50%.
We settled on 50% + rent arrears.
Yes could have gone all the way to court and made a point but is it worth it for £750.
Not in my view.
Thank you all for your advice and support. Very much appreciated.