Whenever you move into a new rental property, it is customary to pay a deposit to your landlord. Usually, this will amount to approximately one month’s rent and is a means of ensuring that you, the tenant, will keep the property in good condition. If, at the end of your rental term, the landlord finds any signs of damage or neglect to their property, they are within their rights to withhold some, or all, of the deposit.
It’s unsurprising that the deposit is one of the most common sources of dispute between landlords and tenants. Although most people are respectful and honest, there are some tenants who leave properties in terrible states. And on the other side of the fence, there have been many cases of dishonest landlords who try to get as much money from their renters as they can.
Therefore, when renting a property, you need to be careful and take steps to safeguard your deposit so you can get back the full sum when you move out. The following blog article takes a look at some of the ways in which you can protect your money and avoid any nasty disputes.
Look after the property
The purpose of the deposit is to ensure tenants look after the property, and allow the landlord to recoup any losses for cleaning and repairs. But if you leave your rental home in good condition, there is no reason your landlord should withhold any money. Treat the place as you would your own home, and clean it regularly. If you do damage anything by mistake, make sure to fix it. And when you eventually move out, give it a thorough clean inside and out. It may be a good idea to hire an end of tenancy cleaning agency to ensure it is absolutely spotless.
Flag any issues
Your landlord is responsible for ensuring your property is in a liveable condition, so it is their duty to make repairs and deal with tradespeople. If you notice any issues with your flat, you must raise them with your landlord promptly, so that they can get on the case and resolve the problem. Issues like damp, mould, and cracks in the wall or ceiling can worsen if left unchecked. If your landlord finds these issues at the end of your tenancy and realises you have notified them, they are within their rights to charge you.
Provide evidence
When you move in, one of the very first things you should do is take photos of everything. Go through the entire property and document any imperfection, whether it’s a minor scuff on the wall or a chipped tile in the bathroom. Send them to your landlord as soon as possible. This way, they can’t pin any damage on you when you move out as you have conclusive evidence.
Get legal advice
If you feel your landlord is withholding some of your deposit unfairly, the best thing you can do is to get legal advice from an agency experienced in dealing with real estate disputes. They will be able to advise you on your rights and possible courses of action to argue your case and get your money back.
