Ensuring the full return of your deposit is one of your most important considerations as a tenant. With care, preparation, and a proactive approach, you can significantly increase your chances of reclaiming the full amount. Let’s take a look at everything you can do to maximise your chances of receiving your full deposit back at the end of your tenancy.
How are deposits protected?
Deposits are protected under the Tenancy Deposit Protection (TDP) scheme, a legal requirement for landlords and letting agents. This scheme applies to assured shorthold tenancies and ensures that tenants' deposits are safeguarded throughout their tenancy.
Within 30 days of receiving the deposit, landlords must place it in one of these schemes and provide the tenant with all the necessary information, including details about the scheme used, how the deposit is protected, and the procedure for reclaiming it at the end of the tenancy.
Take photos of the property
One of the first things you should do after moving into a new property is take photos of every room. It’s particularly crucial to photograph any damage to walls, furniture, flooring, and white goods that was already present before you moved in.
It’s a good idea to send these photos to your landlord or agent to confirm that all parties are satisfied for them to be used as a record of the property’s condition.
When moving out at the end of your tenancy, you should also take photos so that you can prove the state you left the property in if any disputes arise.
Check the tenancy agreement
If you’ve rented before, you’re probably tired of hearing about the importance of thoroughly reading your tenancy agreement. However, making sure you’re familiar with every section of the agreement is crucial to making sure you don’t accidentally do anything that breaks the tenancy's terms.
Just because you read the agreement in your previous tenancy doesn’t mean you don’t need to read the new one. Each agreement can differ between landlords, agents, and properties. An agreement should list all of your responsibilities and what you have to do before vacating the property in order to receive your full deposit back.
Ask for the inventory
Everything that was already in the property at the start of your tenancy should be listed in the inventory. On the first day of tenancy, the landlord or agent must prepare the inventory so everyone can agree on the property's condition.
If you disagree with the deposit amount you receive after the tenancy, the inventory is the best piece of evidence you can provide when disputing it.
Reduce the risk of damp
Reducing the risk of damp is crucial for maintaining the property's condition and ensuring the full return of your deposit. Damp can cause significant damage to walls, ceilings, and floors, leading to costly repairs for the landlord.
To prevent damp, ensure that the property is well-ventilated by regularly opening windows and using extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms. Keeping humidity levels low and taking preventative measures can help maintain the property in good condition, making it more likely that you will receive your full deposit back.
Maintain your garden
Maintaining your garden is another important aspect of fulfilling your tenancy obligations and securing your full deposit. Overgrown lawns, untrimmed hedges, and damage to garden furnishings can negatively impact from the property's appearance and require professional services to fix.
By keeping the garden in the same condition as when you moved in, you demonstrate respect for the property and avoid any potential deductions from your deposit for garden-related issues.
Report problems when they arise
Reporting problems when they arise is essential for preventing minor issues from escalating into significant, costly repairs. If you notice any issues, such as leaks, broken appliances, or structural damage, inform your landlord immediately.
This proactive approach not only helps maintain the property's condition but also shows your responsibility as a tenant. By preventing minor issues from becoming major problems, you reduce the risk of deposit deductions for damages that occurred during your tenancy.
Tidy and clean before you leave
Most tenancy agreements stipulate that the property must be left in a clean and tidy condition, comparable to its state at the start of the tenancy. Conduct a thorough cleaning of all rooms, including kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas, while paying particular attention to overlooked areas like behind appliances, inside cupboards, and under furniture.
Leaving the property in good condition allows you to fulfil your contractual obligations, significantly increasing the likelihood of receiving your full deposit back.
What if you disagree with the amount you get back?
If you disagree with the amount of deposit you get back after a tenancy, you can ask your landlord or letting agent for a detailed breakdown of the deductions made from your deposit. This should include specific reasons for each deduction and any relevant invoices or receipts for repairs or cleaning services.