Getting your full rental deposit back at the end of a tenancy isn't always a certainty, but there are some simple steps that you can take to help avoid deductions. Starting from the day you move in, right up until the day you move out, our advice has you covered.
Moving In
When you rent a property, you should do your own inspection as soon as possible, taking note of any existing damage and reporting it to your letting agent or your landlord. Be sure to take dated pictures, the day you move in, or even the most insignificant damage and check the small print before you sign an inventory check-in.
Once you have paid your deposit, be sure to keep a note of which tenancy deposit scheme it is protected under and how your deposit is protected by that particular scheme. You can find out more about tenancy deposit schemes with our guide.
Cleaning
The number one cause of disputes over the return of deposits is down to cleaning and the condition of properties at the end of the rental period. For many people, cleaning is an after-thought, but leaving a property either untidy or dirty can result in heavy deposit deductions.
The easiest way to avoid losing out is to keep on top of your cleaning and maintain your accommodation throughout the year. Think about setting up a cleaning rota, or getting stuck into monthly deep cleans with your housemates.
If you do decide to leave it to the last minute, make sure to do a full and thoroughly clean before you leave, and don’t forget to tidy the garden if you have one. However, if you don’t fancy getting your hands dirty, you can always hire a professional cleaning service to help you out.
Damage
Accidents do happen, so if the property does become damaged, you should report it in writing to your agent and landlord as soon as possible - don't wait until the end of your agreement to flag it.
Remember, money can’t be deducted from your deposit for general wear and tear; this includes minor signs of use such as worn carpets, minor scrapes and scuffs on the walls and faded curtains. If your landlord tries to charge you for this, you should contact your tenancy deposit protection scheme who will put you in touch with their dispute resolution service.
Your landlord is required to hold your deposit in a registered tenancy deposit protection scheme and give you written confirmation of which scheme they are using within 30 days of receiving your deposit. This means that you and your money will be protected throughout your rental period. If you are unsure which scheme to contact, however, check your tenancy agreement paperwork as the deposit service your landlord is using should be detailed in there.
Decorating
You are probably going to want to add a bit of personality to your new home, but remember, if you want to redecorate the house or flat you’re renting, you should always get the landlord’s permission first.
If you have already made changes, for example, painted a wall or put up a shelf, make sure to return the property to its previous state when you leave.
When removing pictures or posters, take care not to remove layers of paint and plaster, or leave holes and stains on walls that your landlord will have to redecorate over.
Documents
It is important to keep hold of any documents, information and correspondence during your lease until your deposit is returned. Make sure you have a copy of the following:
Details of your tenancy deposit protection
A copy of the check-in inventory that has been signed by both you and your landlord
Check-in and check-out photos of any damage or wear and tear
Records of any correspondence between you and your agent or landlord. If you made phone calls to your agent or landlord, make notes of the date, time and what was discussed and follow up any phone calls with an email
Arrears
It is important to stay on top of your rent payments throughout the year, but if you’re struggling to make them, talk to your landlord or agent as soon as possible - don’t just ignore the problem.
Your landlord is entitled to deduct any unpaid rent from your deposit if you still owe money when you move out, so keep an eye on your monthly finances and remember to budget for your monthly rent costs.
Tenancy Deposit Disputes
If you think your landlord or letting agent has made unfair or unjustified deductions from your tenancy deposit, you can raise it with your tenancy deposit scheme, who will act as independent adjudicators to try to find an amicable resolution.
Make sure you have as much evidence as possible that proves your case in the dispute. Examples of evidence to show you have returned the property in an acceptable state can be:
Receipts from professional cleaning companies
Photos or videos of the property
Bank statements that show rent being paid
Copy of the check-in/check-out inventory report
Copy of your tenancy agreement
Emails, text messages or letters between you and the landlord/letting agent
Dispute guides from your tenancy deposit scheme
Quotes/invoices from professional companies for any repairs
Check your tenancy deposit is protected
There are 3 deposit protection scheme providers.
Your landlord or agent chooses which scheme to use. They must give you certain written information about where your deposit is protected.
Use the scheme websites to check your deposit is protected:
3. mydeposits
You need a postcode, surname, tenancy start date and deposit amount to search.
If you are having problems accessing your online account you can call your scheme:
1. Deposit Protection Service (DPS) - 0330 303 0030 2. Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) - 0300 037 1000 3. Mydeposits - 0333 321 9401
What to do if you can't find your deposit
If you have a joint tenancy, try searching again using another tenant's surname.
Check the tenancy deposit protection rules to see when your deposit must be protected.
Unprotected Deposit
If you believe that your landlord or letting agent hasn’t protected your tenancy deposit, then you can take them to a tribunal in order to get your deposit back and force them to correctly protect it, if the tenancy is continuing.
Your landlord may also not be able to evict you from the property if they haven’t correctly protected your deposit.
Find out more about what to do on the GOV website. If you have any other concerns about your landlord or letting agent then see if you can complain.
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