The landlord is taking money off my deposit, but there was never a check-in inventory. Can they do that?Beta*

They can try, but it's hard for them to win. To take money for damage, the landlord has to show the property was in a better condition when you moved in than when you left. A check-out report alone shows the end condition, not what changed. Without a check-in inventory, or dated photos from the start, adjudicators in the deposit schemes usually find that a deduction for condition hasn't been proved. Point this out in your reply, and use the scheme's free dispute service if the landlord won't back down.

On this site: Moving in audit

Sources: Shelter: dispute unfair deductions