Tenants: how to get your deposit back

So it’s time to hit the road and move on to a new home, which means you’ll want to ensure you get your full deposit back.  Now landlords are generally pretty fair people, so if you’ve not completely trashed their property there’s a good chance you’ll get it back in full.  However, if you just up sticks and leave without a little tidy up, then you’re asking to lose it.

Here’s a little guide to help you recoup your deposit when it’s time to say adiós:

Don’t have the mother of all parties the night before you’re due to handover the property and run through your inventory.  That is unless you have a biohazard team booked in to clear up the carnage at 06.00 hours.

Do engage the services of a professional cleaner if your tenancy agreement states this as a term or speak nicely to an OCD friend or your mum.  If the property is in tip top condition you’ll get your deposit back.

Don’t expect your last minute bodged DIY attempts to rectify or cover up damage to cut it with your landlord or letting agency.  For instance placing the sofa in the middle of the room to disguise a damaged carpet will definitely raise suspicion.  As will missing furniture and your evasiveness as to where the fridge freezer might be.  This will generally not be sufficient to ward off probing questions.

Do make good any damage that has occurred during your tenancy with the help of a professional.  Or replace ‘missing’ or broken objects to lessen the impact on the return of your deposit.