A Tenant's Guide to Getting Your Full Rent Deposit Back
This is such a hot topic right now - and we see, all too often the levels of difficulties that some tenants face when trying to get their deposits back. (As if, moving home isn’t already stressful enough!) That’s why we are sharing with you some of the best tips we have to ensure you get your deposit back when moving home. You may not realise it, but starting with the end in mind is always a good rule of thumb. The beginning of the tenancy is the best place to lay the ground work for getting your deposit back. Usually, we find that if there's a dispute at the end of the tenancy, the outcome is usually dependent upon what was implemented at the start.
1. Inventories are your friend
It is important you have a clear, concise inventory with photographs, date stamps and for it to be very detailed - this should be signed by both you and your landlord. Check the inventory closely and if you disagree with any part of the detail, then ensure that you voice this asap and back it up with evidence. That means photos! Don’t just sit and suffer in silence. The inventory is about covering both you and your landlord so it makes sense to get it right.
2. Make timely Maintenance requests
Maintenance issues can crop up during your tenancy, in fact it’s pretty inevitable that they will. Some of these duties will fall under the responsibility of your landlord and some will fall under you, the tenant. You should make a habit of reporting things before they become more serious, for e.g. if you notice a leak, let your landlord or agent know before it gets worse. If you leave it too late you could actually be charged for some of the repairs.
Tenants also have a common law duty to act in a tenant-like manner and to be responsible for some of the upkeep - things such as changing light bulbs when needed. Or maybe a blocked drain that just needs for you to move some leaves from it. It is important that an element of common sense is used when considering whether it’s something you can do yourself or whether it really requires a contractor or your landlord to be called out to resolve the problem. As a tenant, you can be held liable for unnecessary contractor appointments so if ensure that you do an initial sense check. If you refer to your tenancy agreement it should detail what you're responsible for and what your landlord is responsible for. If something is structural then that would absolutely be down to your landlord to get resolved.
3. Property visits
Property visits are there to protect both the you and your landlord. If you as the tenant have been meaning to raise a maintenance issue with your landlord, this is a great opportunity to do so. Take pride in the property, it’s your home after all - whether that’s for 6 months or 6 years. Remember, if you don’t raise issues as and when they arise, your landlord is within their rights to withhold part or all of the deposit if they’ve not had the opportunity to fix the issue especially if it gets worse. Whilst it is not necessary for the tenant to be home when the property visit is carried out - it is advisable to ensure that any problems are ironed out early on from both parties if required.
There are some very common mistakes, that COULD result in losing part or all of your deposit so this part is one you should pay particularly close attention to.
Cleanliness - This is more about ensuring that any mess or dirt that is within the house isn’t going to make the property deteriorate quicker. Additionally, excessive mess can lead to rodents which no one wants! Pets are a big cause of excessive wear and tear so if pets aren’t allowed, DON’T have them! And if you are lucky enough to have found one of the rare landlord who allows pets, make sure you keep a check on your pets.
Smoking - Again, if you’re a smoker and the tenancy states ‘no smoking’ in the property, don’t smoke in the property. Seems obvious right? But many tenants underestimate the evidence that smoking leaves behind on a property.
Subletting - This is another big no, no! If you are in a 2 bed flat where there should be 3 of you sharing, don’t be surprised if you subletting to another 3 people results in more wear and tear than usual. Your landlord or their agent will more than likely pick up on this so we say - don’t risk it if you want to ensure that you get that deposit back at the end of the tenancy.
Garden - Use of the garden is usually included in your lease. That means you must keep the garden how you found it (or better!) Not having equipment isn’t an excuse to neglect upkeep. Landlords don’t often provide garden equipment such as lawnmowers because they are easily damaged or misplaced. But equally, they probably haven’t left you a bottle of washing up liquid to wash your dishes either. Whilst you’re living in the home you’re in - be respectful, if the grass needs cutting, borrow a lawnmower, buy a lawnmower or hire a lawnmower. Just keep the garden looking neat and tidy.
4. Communicate, communicate and communicate!
If there is a problem that’s posing a health and safety risk e.g - boiler stops working or there is a leak then reach out to your landlord immediately. If for whatever reason, you’ve attempted to contact your landlord with no luck, or you’ve contacted them but they’ve not done anything to try and resolve the issue, then you, have options. Document the issues and communicate them fully in writing (by post or email) and state that you are looking for a resolution within 14 days. If this doesn’t do the trick and the issue is serious, you can get your local council involved. They have the power to make the repairs on your behalf and fine your landlord if appropriate.
Struggling to find the funds for your next Deposit? Don’t miss out, our Deposit Promise can help take out the sting, check it out.