Islington: 020 7226 0160Highbury: 020 7288 9696Camden: 020 7482 2894
    Get a Valuation
    Register
    LogoLogo
    • Block Management
    • News
    • Testimonials

    Our Branches

    Islington

    Islington Team
    Estate Agents
    Letting Agents
    Area Guide
    Live Market Data
    Properties For Sale in Islington
    Properties To Rent in Islington

    Highbury

    Highbury Team
    Estate Agents
    Letting Agents
    Area Guide
    Live Market Data
    Properties For Sale in Highbury
    Properties To Rent in Highbury

    Camden

    Camden Team
    Estate Agents
    Letting Agents
    Area Guide
    Live Market Data
    Properties for Sale in Camden
    Properties to Rent in Camden

    See the surrounding areas that we cover

    View all Area Guides

    Home/News/7 ways to increase the chances of getting your deposit back

    7 ways to increase the chances of getting your deposit back

    almost 3 years ago
    Lettings
    7 ways to increase the chances of getting your deposit back

    The latest Statistical Briefing from The Dispute Service – which uses data from the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, SafeDeposits Scotland and TDS Northern Ireland – has highlighted the top three reasons for deposit disputes across the UK during 2021-2022.

    Cleaning is the biggest cause for complaint, with 50% of all disputes involving a cleaning claim in England and Wales; 47% in Northern Ireland and 71% in Scotland. 

    The second most common reason for a deposit dispute was damage to fixtures and fittings (46% in England and Wales; 45% in Northern Ireland and 46% in Scotland), followed by rent arrears (13% in England and Wales; 22% in Northern Ireland and 11% in Scotland).

    If you’re keen to avoid being one of these statistics, there’s some simple advice to follow. Here’s what we recommend at the start, during and at the end of your tenancy if you want the best chance of getting your deposit back in full:-

    1. Pay attention at check in: the most useful check in procedures happen when the tenant and the landlord or agent are present. This way, everyone will see the condition of the property at the same time. The observations can then be cross-referenced against what’s noted in the inventory, with questions raised before the document is signed. If you see any signs of damage, ensure you flag it up and that’s is noted in writing before you move in.
    2. Check the tenancy agreement before personalising the property: even if your DIY skills are first-class, many landlords want their property returned in the same condition in which it was handed over.  The tenancy agreement may state that drawing pins, nails, picture hooks and Blu Tack should not be used, and that repainting is prohibited. Any alterations that change a property’s appearance will cost money to be reversed, and a landlord can claim this back from the deposit.
    3. Repair any damage: day-to-day life will result in damage and living in a ‘tenant like manner’ requests renters undertake minor maintenance and resolve small defects, such as unblocking a sink or removing spilt nail varnish. Damage caused by accidents or the failure to attend to basic maintenance can be a cause of deposit deductions. A tenant’s responsibilities will be listed in the tenancy agreement and they will be liable for any damage caused by guests. 
    4. Report major maintenance issues promptly: while tenants aren’t liable to pay for major maintenance, they are obliged to report damage or issues swiftly to the landlord/agent. For instance, a tenant should report a leaky shower tray so it can be repaired. If a tenant doesn’t notify anyone about the issue and it goes on to cause water damage, the landlord may seek financial compensation to cover his repair costs.
    5. Understand what a deep clean really means: a deep clean means spending time ensuring the entire property is free of dirt, dust, grease, limescale, finger marks and cobwebs. Failure to be really thorough can result in some or all of the deposit being withheld. An end of tenancy clean should include a deep clean of all kitchen appliances, including ovens, emptying cupboards and cleaning inside, removing all watermarks, dusting all surfaces, including the top of cupboards and skirting boards, and moving furniture to clean under and behind them. If in doubt, book a professional company to undertake a specific end of tenancy deep clean.
    6. Refer back to the inventory before check out: whether you’re repairing damage or cleaning, it’s vital to refer back to the inventory to see the condition of the property when you moved it. Everything should be returned to its original state and missing items replaced. Discrepancies will be picked up during the check out and may prompt the landlord to withhold funds.
    7. Ensure the rent is paid up: if you owe any rent at the time of check out, a landlord can recover this from your deposit. The best way to ensure your rent is always paid is to arrange a direct debit and keep your statements to prove all monies have been taken.

    If you’re looking for a property to rent or have a property suitable for the lettings market, please get in touch.

    Share this article

    More Articles

    More than half of under 34s hope to become a landlord

    More than half of under 34s hope to become a landlord

    Published 18 days ago

    Younger Millennials (born between 1991 and 1996) and those in Generation Z (1997-2012) still see a future in property investment. That was the surprising finding of a new survey of 2,000 UK adults conducted by Opinium on behalf of Market Financial Solutions.

    Read More
    A tenant’s guide to the Renters’ Rights Bill

    A tenant’s guide to the Renters’ Rights Bill

    Published about 2 months ago

    The Renters’ Rights Bill has taken another step towards becoming law. With no major amendments expected, it’s now that tenants should take notice of the Bill’s contents.

    Read More
    Garden etiquette for tenants this summer

    Garden etiquette for tenants this summer

    Published 3 months ago

    When you become a renter, you’re expected to behave in a ‘tenant like manner’ and that extends to outside spaces as much as inside the home. If in any doubt as to what that means, you can refer to your tenancy agreement. It should list the specific garden jobs you’re responsible for, and what your landlord should maintain. If there’s scant detail, contact us and we can obtain written clarification for you.

    Read More

    Sign up for our newsletter

    Subscribe to receive the latest property market information to your inbox, full of market knowledge and tips for your home.

    You may unsubscribe at any time. See our Privacy Policy.

    Back to Home

    Properties for Sale 

    Properties for Sale in Islington
    Properties for Sale in Highbury
    Properties for Sale in Camden
    Flats for Sale in Islington
    Flats for Sale in Highbury
    Flats for Sale in Camden
    Houses for Sale in Islington
    Houses for Sale in Highbury
    Houses for Sale in Camden

    Properties to Rent 

    Properties to Rent in Islington
    Properties to Rent in Highbury
    Properties to Rent in Camden
    Flats to Rent in Islington
    Flats to Rent in Highbury
    Flats to Rent in Camden
    Houses to Rent in Islington
    Houses to Rent in Highbury
    Houses to Rent in Camden

    NAEA
    OnTheMarket
    RightMove
    SafeAgent
    TDS
    Zoopla
    Logo
    Logo
    Logo
    © 2025 Hotblack Desiato
    Privacy Policy|Terms & Conditions|Cookie Policy|Landlord Charges|Tenant Charges|Complaints Procedure|Consumer Protection Regulations|AML Policy|Client Money Protection|Client Money Protection (Highbury)|PropertyMark Membership Rules and Conduct|Property Jargon Glossary|Sitemap
    Powered by