Getting your tenancy deposit back shouldn’t be a struggle, but deductions can occur if you don’t stay on top of looking after your rental property and stick to your tenancy agreement.

The good news? We’re here to provide you with the steps you can take to protect your deposit and make sure you get it back in full when it comes to checking out.

From preparations even before you sign your tenancy agreement, to what do if there’s a dispute regarding deductions, follow these tips and you’ll have the best chance of getting your full deposit refunded with no stress!

 

How to Get Your Tenancy Deposit Back

Step 1: Prepare for Check Out

  • Carefully read through your check-in report and ensure you make the necessary arrangements to leave the property in the same condition as when you moved in, allowing for the usual fair wear and tear that happens during tenancies
  • Some agents and landlords may even conduct an inspection around two weeks before the end of the tenancy to advise on any fixes or responsibilities of the tenant
    • Make good to any obvious damages you have caused
    • Clean the property to the same level as when you moved in
    • Moved any items or furniture back to their original place
    • Remove all additional items you have (unless it has been agreed to leave them in the property)
    • Replace light bulbs that were working when your tenancy began
    • If you have a garden, carry out any maintenance work to return it to the same state as when you first moved in

Remember…a quick spruce and tidy up is cheaper and a lot less stressful than dealing with a deposit dispute!

 

 

Step 2: After You Have Checked Out, Contact Your Landlord or Agent

  • Once your tenancy has officially ended, contact your landlord or lettings agent to ask for your deposit back
  • Making contact as soon as your tenancy ends should speed up the process of your deposit’s return if there are no disputes

Not sure you fully understand tenancy deposits? Click here to read our latest guide on understanding how deposits and their protection schemes work

 

 

Step 3: Address Any Discrepancies

  • If your landlord or lettings agent have proposed deductions from your deposit which don’t add up, make sure you:
    • Ask them exactly why they are taking the money
    • Find out how they have worked out the amount to deduct from your deposit

Landlords and agents cannot legally take more from your deposit than the reasonable cost to fix any damages to the property that go above and beyond fair wear and tear

 

Top Tip: Your landlord cannot claim for betterment of the property, meaning they cannot improve on what was already there and end up in a better position than when your tenancy started

 

 

Step 4: Receive Your Deposit Back…

  • The whole process of receiving your deposit back should be discussed and settled within 28 days
  • If all goes smoothly, you should receive your deposit back within 10 days upon agreement of any deductions
  • If you are not getting a response from your landlord, contact your deposit scheme for their advice on the next steps…

 

Step 5: …or Make a Claim

  • If you cannot come to an agreement, your tenancy deposit protection scheme should offer a free dispute resolution service
  • The monies being disputed will be held by the scheme and an adjudicator will then review any evidence provided by the tenant and landlord
  • The decision made by the tenancy deposit scheme is final, if you or your landlord decide to take matters further then this will be done through a court process

 

Now you are clear on the process of getting your tenancy deposit back, let’s look at our top tips on how to ensure you avoid disputes and get your deposit back in full!

 

10 Tips to Get Your Tenancy Deposit Back in Full

  1. Ensure Your Deposit is Protected

 

  1. Read and Understand the Terms of Your Tenancy Agreement

    • There must be a clear agreement in place so that the landlord and tenant are both aware of their responsibilities before the tenancy begins
    • It is best practice to have this agreement written down for reference
    • Click here to find out the key information that should be included in a tenancy agreement

 

  1. Ensure you have an Inspection Completed by an Accredited Inventory Supplier

  • It is fundamental to have independent professional inventory supplier, such as Eclipse Inventories, provide check-in and check-out reports to protect both parties
  • Having detailed and accurate documentation of the property’s condition upon moving in is crucial should there be any discrepancies at check out
  • Contact your landlord or lettings agent if you do not think an inspection has been arranged
  • Without evidence, a landlord will not win claims on deposits and tenants are not protected in disputes

 

  1. Report Maintenance Issues Promptly

  • Maintenance issues such as leaks, damp, and mould must be reported to your landlord or letting agent immediately to reduce the risk of them escalating
  • A leak in your property that causes a small damp patch to the wall or ceiling might seem minor, however the wall cavity may be saturated, promoting the growth of mould and structural rot
  • Unreported maintenance issues like the above cause long-term structural damage to the property and they can be chargeable to the tenant

 

  1. Maintain Regular Cleaning

  • It is the your responsibility as a tenant to maintain the full cleaning of the property throughout the tenancy and also ensure the property is left in the same state as when you first moved in
  • If the property was professionally cleaned when you moved in, then it is your responsibility to book in an end-of-tenancy clean with a professional cleaning company in order to restore the property to its state at check in
  • Failure to stay on top of regular cleaning can also lead to long-term damage which will result in further deposit deductions
  • For example, a lack of regular cleaning can cause pest infestations, a build-up of mould and mildew, ingrained staining and damage to surfaces, all of which can be chargeable to the tenant if they were not present at check in or cause damage

 

  1. Stay on Top of Your Rent Payments

  • Ensure all rent payments are up to date before the tenancy ends
  • Your final rent payment should not be left to be deducted from your deposit as this can get complicated for both the tenant and landlord and result in county court proceedings
  • Your deposit is regulated and if any issues arise concerning deposit deductions then your money is protected

 

  1. Always Have Permission from Your Landlord Before Making Changes

    • Of course you should make their rental property should feel like a home, however, it is still important to adhere to your tenancy agreement and not make any changes to the property without your landlord’s permission
    • Improvements, small or large, that you need permission to do include:
      • Replacing curtains or furniture
      • Painting and decorating
      • Hanging wall fixtures such as mirrors, frames and shelves
      • Changing locks
    • If you make changes to the property without the landlord’s permission, you are at the risk of losing your deposit or even being evicted
    • Always get any agreements in writing

 

  1. Take Photos When Vacating the Property

    • It is always best practice to take photos of the property before you vacate just in case you need to provide evidence if there is a dispute on any deposit deductions
    • Having check in and check out inspections completed by a professional will also ensure the entire property is photographically documented

 

  1. Understand Fair Wear and Tear

    • Your landlord has the right to make deductions from your deposit if you cause damage to the property, but you cannot be charged for fair wear and tear
    • Defined by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS), fair wear and tear refers to: “…the reasonable deterioration that occurs in a rental property, over time, as a result of normal, everyday use during the period of a tenancy”
    • This would include but is not limited to
      • Shading to paint
      • Hinges becoming slightly loose
      • Light scuffs or chips to countertops and so on…

Click here to read our guide for landlords and tenants on fair wear and tear

 

  1. And Finally…Make Sure to Treat the Property Like Your Own

    • Respect the property as if it is your own – following the tips above which will guarantee to save you hassle later!
    • If your rental property is furnished, then take extra care to look after any provided furnishings and appliances
    • As previously mentioned, stick to your tenancy agreement…it’s there for a reason!

 

Final Thoughts

Your tenancy deposit is your money, so it’s worth taking the right steps to ensure you get it back. From maintaining the property and paying rent on time to documenting everything before you move out, a little effort can go a long way.

If deductions are proposed, don’t be afraid to challenge anything unfair through the deposit protection scheme. By being proactive and responsible throughout your tenancy, you’ll put yourself in the best position to receive your full deposit back —no surprises, no stress!

For further information about any of our inventory services, get in touch with us today. To keep up to date with tips and information about the private rental sector and London lettings market, follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn.