It can be frustrating for Tenants at the end of the tenancy when the check-out report flags issues that the tenant didn’t know existed. Inventory reporting at the start of the tenancy takes time; however, the benefits are many – and the more comprehensive the report, the better it is for agents, landlords, and tenants. By capturing the detail at check-in, the expectations are set.
Common deposit disputes
Knowing what causes disputes can help pre-empt issues before they occur. For example, the TDS (Tenancy Deposit Scheme) Statistical Briefing showed that cleaning was the most common reason for disputes in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland accounting for between 49-70% of all tenancy disputes. By knowing in advance what could happen, more detailed tenancy agreements, inventories, guides and tenant communications can be provided to help avoid the same happening in your tenancies. We have taken the time to compile a list of issues that are the main areas of controversy at the end of the tenancy.
Cleaning
Tenants must clean the property to the highest standard possible. Otherwise, the landlord may deduct money from the deposit to pay a professional.
Here is a list of areas we find that are generally neglected and therefore have incurred in deductions:
- Oven: Degreasing the oven, well in advance before the tenancy ends, will save you professional cleaning costs on handover day. Sometimes the accumulation of grease can create such a build-up that it may take a professional cleaner longer to finish just one appliance.
- Fridge/Freezer: You need to ensure it is fully defrosted a few days before. Defrosting the freezer on the last day is not a good idea, as you may not be able to fully clean the appliance so it may require further cleaning after handover, meaning potential charges from your deposit.
- Kitchen cupboards: Generally, kitchen cupboards create a build-up of grease at the top/as well as internally. Dedicating some time to apply a degreasing spray and giving a good scrub & wipe will also save you time and cleaning time on your last day.
- Limescale around bath/shower: Hard water in London tends to create a heavy built up of limescale on your taps and all-around wet areas. Spraying a good quality limescale remover (as per instructions on packaging) will allow the surfaces to be restored to their initial condition.
- Windows: this quite often gets ignored during handovers, nevertheless cleaning them internally (and externally if possible) will be part of the checks that will be noted in your check-out report.
Repair and replace
If any items have been accidentally damaged or broken in the Property during your tenancy, you will be liable to arrange a repair or replacement. Failure to do this will mean that the costs will be deducted from your deposit, which can sometimes be higher than you anticipated, examples may include.
- Damaged kitchen worktop (must be carried out by a professional)
- Missing cutlery
- Cracked shower screen (must be carried out by a professional)
- Stained sofa
- Replace light bulbs where necessary – if the light bulbs have been recorded as present and in working order at the start of the Tenancy, then these are consumable items and therefore as a Tenant, you will be responsible to ensure they are replaced as and when required. It will cost you as little as £5 to replace a light bulb. If this is not carried out prior to your move-out and your Landlord is required to arrange this on your behalf with a help of a Contractor, you are likely to be charged a minimum call-out fee in the region of £70 or above, as you must take into consideration contractor labour charge, parking, congestion, ULEZ and materials, which can sometimes cost more than you expected, depending where it is purchased.
Painting and decorating
If, during your tenancy, you decided to make cosmetic changes to the Property without the Landlord’s prior approval, you are liable to ensure the Property is returned to the Landlord in the same appearance when you moved in, minus general wear & tear.
If any holes were made to the wall during your Tenancy, you will need to ensure the holes are properly filled in and the walls are painted to a good/professional standard prior to your move-out. Failure to do this will mean that the costs will be deducted from your deposit, and you may be asked to contribute towards painting the whole room, to even out the colour tones.
Please refer to the inventory report provided to you at the commencement of your Tenancy as a guidance for getting the Property back to its original appearance and standard.
Rent Arrears
Please ensure that you have no rent arrears in place, as your landlord can deduct the money from your deposit to recoup the lost monies caused by failed rental payments.
