How to avoid deposit disputes

When moving out of a rental property, everyone involved wants it to go smoothly and stress free. One of the biggest problems, however, is around returning the full deposit amount to the tenant. Although it is quite rare that a full deposit is not returned, tenancy disputes can be distressing. In this article we will take a look at how tenants can avoid deposit disputes.

Top reasons for deposit disputes

According to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme in 2020/2021 the 5 largest reasons for a deposit dispute were:

• Cleaning – 49% of disputes
• Damage – 35% of disputes
• Redecoration – 26% of disputes
• Gardening – 12% of disputes
• Rent Arrears – 15% of disputes

Yes, this does come to more that 100% but in some dispute cases more than one reason was cited.

How to avoid deposit disputes

Check in

Perhaps the most important thing is to be present at the check in inspection and raise any issues that you see with the condition or cleanliness of the property both internally and externally. Make sure that any issues you spot are properly documented. Check all switches work, all bulbs are working, check any smoke or carbon monoxide alarms, check any white goods and electrical items like cooker hoods or ovens are all in good working order. Even after the initial check in, if you spot any issues that were not seen during the check in, make sure they are highlighted to the agent or landlord straight away. Keep a copy of the report, once it has been agreed and signed by all parties.

Tenancy agreement

Make sure that you read the tenancy agreement carefully and fully to make sure that you understand what your responsibilities as a tenant are and what you can and can’t do. For example, there is often a clause about requiring permission to decorate the property and putting it back to the same decorative stabdard at the end of the tenancy.

Report issues quickly

Any issues that you have with the property need to be reported quickly to prevent them becoming bigger issues. For example, if the cooker hood breaks down, report it and get it repaired quickly. Make sure to do this in writing. If it doesn’t get fixed quickly it could lead to a build up of grease and dirt in the kitchen which could then potentially cause issues around cleanliness when handing the property back.

Treat the property with care

Perhaps the simplest one to deal with, simply treat the property with care and respect. Looking after the property will avoid any damage and any potential deposit disputes.

Leave nothing behind

Quite often a tenant leaves behind items of furniture that they don’t need or clothing or other items. These can be classed as unwanted items and the landlord would be within their rights to get someone in to remove these items and dispose of them and then claim the costs back against the deposit.

Clean

The property will need to be as clean when you move out as it was when you moved in. Don’t forget the garden, windows, ovens, white goods, bathrooms and sanitaryware, floors, carpets and kitchen cupboards.

Check-out

Be present at the check out inspection and make sure that the check in inspection is properly referenced. Remember that any check out has to consider fair wear and tear. It’s always worth asking the agent or the landlord to pop round before check-out to discuss what they would like to see.

Although deposit disputes are relatively rare, they are not unheard of and can be stressful for all involved. There are some simple things that you as a tenant can do to avoid any disputes, but by looking after the property, keeping it clean and reporting issues in a timely manner, the likelihood of a dispute can be reduced significantly.