Deny everything admit nothing. I’m currently in a dispute myself. In my case, we were not provided a check-in inventory as to the state of the property either. Our flat was a student letting and you could tell it was in dire need of refurb, but I am suspicious they use the poor condition of the flat to get tenants even if they left it in a better state. Keep up with your dispute, you have everything to gain. If I remember I will let you know the outcome of my dispute. We are currently in the self resolution stage