Unfair deposit deduction - advice needed

Hi all,

We had our check out appointment and handed back the keys on 25th July. The check out clerk said the property was perfect, and the copy of the check out report that I signed said everything was in good order.

However, now we've been contacted by the letting agents to say the landlord has done his own inspection on 2nd August and has found an issue that he says we are responsible for rectifying.

The issue is "Kitchen switch loose and hole in wall" and they have included this photo:



Now, the loose switch in the kitchen has always been loose. In my opinion this is a structural problem resulting from the recessed box, to which the light switch is fitted, not being properly mounted.

The "hole" being pointed to in the photo is part of the hole cut out of the wall for said recessed box as part of the original electrical installation.

The two issues are linked. The poor installation means that the hole for the recessed box is too big and hence the box is loose and there is a gap to it's left. I feel there is no way we could have caused this and as such, are not responsible.


What are peoples' opinions?

Thanks very much

Gareth