It was interesting to read it costs £345,000 a year to clear rubbish and repair damage caused by former council tenants who leave their homes in a mess (The Argus, July 13).

I'm pleased the housing management sub-committee will consider proposals to reclaim this cost from the outgoing tenants but, of course, this is more easily said than done.

Having been involved in letting property in Brighton since May 14, 1964, there is very little that surprises us for it is not uncommon for many tenants to leave their property in a mess when they vacate.

We did try collecting a month's rent as a deposit to safeguard against these sorts of problems but what does one do if the tenant refuses to pay the last month's rent saying their deposit will cover the rent?

The only recourse is through the courts but this is unrealistic due to the cost and time it takes - and just where do you find their forwarding address to issue a summons?

Being a private landlord does have certain benefits but it's not always a bed of roses.

-Charles Holcombe, Kemp Town