Jamie Campbell
3 years ago - 3 minute read
Cleaning and unlogged maintenance issues make up 50% of disputes around deposits.
In this short guide we will give you some practical tips to make sure you keep your rental deposit. We've spilt this into two sections. Getting you deposit back when moving out, and proactively protecting your deposit when moving in.
You'll want to make sure that the home has the full inventory and that the property is in the same condition as when you moved in.
Keep the receipts. Evidence that you have done your due diligence in cleaning and repairing the property will show that you are leaving it in a good condition.
Using cleaners who have a tenancy cleaning deposit back guarantee may cost more, but could save you in the long run.
There are slightly differing definitions on 'normal wear and tear' depending on where you look.
Consumer advocacy group Shelter outlines it as normal day-to-day living. “You must look after your home, but your landlord can't expect it to be returned in exactly the same state as it was when you moved in”. They cite examples like peeling paint, faded curtains or new carpet having signs of use.
However the National Landlords Association say that "wear and tear is a topic that is open to interpretation" and comes down to “common sense”.
Take photos to show that you cleaned the property to the best of your ability and that the only impact to the home is normal wear and tear.
If it comes to dispute deposit deductions, this will be the best evidence to show you left everything in the same condition.
You and your landlord can work together to decide what normal wear and tear looks like. Outline what you consider to be reasonable damage, and ask them to do the same.
It’s worth asking if they have had problems with returning deposits previously, and if so why. This will mean you get the clearest picture of their expectations.
Take your inventory check seriously and document that property like you are making a David Attenborough documentary.
After you’ve emailed any photos or documentation to your landlord, create an inbox folder labelled with your rental address. File the sent email for your records. Access to these documents will save you a lot of hassle later.
We are more likely to report ‘large damage’ but some issues start small and get worse and worse over time. Catching things like water damage or carpet wear early stops them from becoming larger (deposit deductible) issues later. When something you think is bordering the lines of normal wear and tear, take pics, send emails or texts and log the incident.
This sets you up better with your landlord and if there are any ongoing issues you will have a paper trail. Remember, filing is your friend, if you are taking screenshots of texts add it to the inbox folder we mentioned early. Help future you not have any problems on move out day.
If you feel uncomfortable, communicate. If you are nervous about going to your landlord, we recommend renter first groups including Shelter and Tenants Union UK.
Need to sound it out? Our team are available on our community page to listen to what you have to say.
Jamie Campbell
3 years ago - 3 minute read
Fronted is a trading name of Fronted Holding Ltd. We are registered in England and Wales (Company No.12278750), registered office address is Fronted, The Fisheries, 1 Mentmore Terrace, London, E8 3PN. Fronted Loans Ltd (Company No.12307305) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under a Consumer Credit Licence (FCA No. 933316). Fronted Ltd (Company No.12304059) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under a Broker Licence (FCA No. 933317).
Fronted Loans Ltd and Fronted Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fronted Holding Ltd. We are part of the FCA regulatory sandbox - Cohort 6. The regulatory sandbox allows firms to test innovative offerings in a live environment. More information on the FCA's regulatory sandbox can be found here.
Made with ❤️ and ☕️ in London