The Tenancy Deposit

Whether it’s to the property itself, such as broken windows, or broken furniture, damaging the property contradicts the terms of the tenancy agreement.  Therefore as landlords we are allowed to deduct the appropriate amount from the deposit.

The cost of missing items can be deducted at the end of the tenancy! The inventory will have set out what items were included with the property, and their condition. So, in the interest of reassurance for the landlord, a detailed inventory is essential.

In the world of tenancy deposit disputes, cleaning can be a huge source of disagreement between landlords and tenants, largely because we all have different definitions of what is ‘clean’.  Our definition is simple;  the property must be of the same standard of cleanliness that it was when we handed the property over to you.

However, cleaning issues are a common cause of deposit deductions. For example, we state in the tenancy agreement that the tenant must pay for a professional carpet cleaner and they must adhere to this.  Put simple, cleaning  at the end of the tenancy is the tenant’s responsibility, not ours!

General maintenance can be difficult because it’s a vague term, but misuse can result in a deposit deduction. For example, if drains are blocked because the tenant has neglected to clean the grates, the landlord has the right to make a deduction for the clearing and unblocking.

If a tenant takes it upon themselves to redecorate the property without asking first, this would be in breach of the tenancy agreement. As a result, we will be able to deduct money from the deposit to get the room or rooms back to their prior condition.  If we do give permision to redecorate, you must return the property to its original decoration and if you do not or you do but you make a poor job of the decorating, we can claim for professional redecoration costs.

In rental situations, tenants are responsible for keeping the rental property clean and well-maintained during their tenancy. This also includes cleaning appliances such as the oven and hob.  The oven and hob must be thoroughly cleaned at the end of the tenancy and must be returned to us in a hygenic and presentable manner.

Please do not leave any of your personal items in the property or on the premises.  No matter what tenants may think, we do not want their old furniture or any of their belongings, under any circumstances! Any item or items left on the premises will be removed and charged to the tenant at commercial removal rates.

Tenants are responsible for disposing of their own rubbish and are expected to empty their own bins.  It is the tenants responsibility to empty their bins on a regular basis and to make sure that the correct bin is used for the correct items. We will withhold money from the deposit where the bins are incorrectly filled or where there is too much rubbish for normal collection.

Where the total cost of any rent arrears, cleaning, gardening etc outweigh the amount of the deposit, then the tenant and where relevant, we will seek redress from the guarantor, who will be held responsible for the difference.

Tenancy Deposit Deductions are simply common sense.  If something you have done, have damaged or left behind will cost us to replace, repair or remove then we are entitled to deduct the cost from the deposit. All we ask is that you hand the property back to us in the same state as it was handed to you at the outset of the tenancy, the majoirty of people would think that is a fair deal.