A friend of mine (landlord) is being taken to small claims court by his ex-tenant for not refunding their deposit. The landlord withheld the deposit £650 but offered £400 instead. This was because it cost him £250 to clean the house after the tenants had left. They are taking him to court for the full £650 as they claim he didn't tell them soon enough (1-2 weeks after their departure) that it was dirty(!) He has written evidence from the tenants confirming that they will leave the premises clean and tidy and photos of the house after their departure (not clean at all). Can he claim for a days wages for attending court? (How)? Will he have to pay costs if the judge orders him to pay the £400 he was willing to pay anyway? Any advice gratefully received. Thanks.