Don't let your landlord take your deposit!
by Amy Sawyer
If it’s not enough that your greedy landlord has been lining his pockets with thousands of pounds of your dosh, he’ll try to nab that tidy little deposit, too. Follow these 15 clever tips to make sure your deposit ends up where it should- in your savings.
You’ve got a friend
Find out if your landlord is protecting your deposit under the ‘tenancy deposit protection scheme’. As of the 6th April 2007 all landlords are required, by law, to protect your deposit. This means it will be easier to get all your deposit back, providing you haven’t trashed the place, of course. If your landlord isn’t protecting your deposit he will be forced to do so or, even better, may have to pay you three times the deposit!
Snap happy
Before you move in make a list of any existing damages so you aren’t charged for the previous tenant’s clumsiness. Take plenty of pictures when you move in and out. They are very useful in the event of a dispute. Make sure you set the date on your camera; pictures from ‘1990’ won’t hold up in court!
Fine-toothed comb
Most landlords will supply an inventory, detailing exactly what is in the house, and what state it is in. Check thoroughly and query anything you don’t agree with. Make any amendments on agreement with the landlord. If you don’t pipe up now you might be charged for breaking that manky chair that was apparently in 'perfect' condition.
Paying up
Pay your deposit by cheque or credit card so you have evidence of having paid if any dispute arises. Don’t be afraid to ask your landlord for a receipt too.
Wear and tear
Most contracts state that you will not be liable for ‘normal wear and tear’. Discuss with your landlord before you move in what he classes as wear and tear. That red wine stain is unlikely to qualify!
Damp? What damp?
Don’t just ignore that dripping tap or those damp patches in your bathroom, chances are they will get worse. Tell your landlord straightaway if there is anything that needs sorting out as you could be held responsible if the ceiling then collapses. Contact your landlord first in writing, and keep a copy.
In the name of Art
You might think that it’s ‘creative’ but it’s unlikely the landlord is going to appreciate that mural on your wall. Likewise those big holes and Blu-Tack stains from those band posters aren’t going to go down well. Leave the walls alone. Don’t worry - you’ll become accustomed to that magnolia.
A frosty reception
Don’t let your freezer compartments represent the arctic: make sure you occasionally remove ice. An ice (and food!) overload can crack and even break the compartments and your landlord will have to replace them. It can be difficult to locate replacements so your landlord may be forced to buy a new fridge/freezer, at a hefty cost you might have to bear.
Do it yourself
Do any repairs yourself, or if you’re not very handy get a (registered) tradesman to do it for you. Cheeky landlords tend to get the most expensive handymen in. Get your landlord to point out what needs sorting out a few weeks before you leave, - yes, it might make more work for you but it’ll save you a bob or two in the long run.
It’s a jungle out there!
That forest you once called your back garden will need a lot of work. It’ll be much easier to do a bit of maintenance throughout the year rather than leave it till you need a hacksaw to get through. Winter is the best time to prune trees as there’s no foliage in the way. Do a bit of weeding in May and you’ll save yourself a lot of bother. Most people neglect the garden, so don’t forget to give it a tidy up before you move out.
Half hearted
Quickly running a dusting cloth over surfaces and throwing a bit of bleach down the toilet doesn’t class as proper cleaning. It may be obvious but if you don’t clean the house thoroughly before you move out the landlord is within his rights to keep some of your deposit for professional cleaning. Get the beers and some nibbles in and make a party of it. It won’t be much fun on your own!
Under lock and key
Your landlord will require all the keys back otherwise he can charge you to change the locks. For peace of mind don’t give your keys to anyone else but your landlord, your housemates might lose them amongst the rubble in their room.
Furniture removal
The new tenants might appreciate that extra chest of drawers but if it’s not on the original inventory the landlord may charge you for its removal. If you want to get rid of something that simply won’t fit in your mini metro join your local network on www.freecycle.org and find someone to take it off your hands! Or for a bit of extra cash post an ad on www.gumtree.com.
Similarly you might not like that crusty old sofa your landlords supplied but leaving it in the garden to go mouldy is not the answer. You’ll be charged for the damage. It’s reasonable to ask for a new one. Make sure when you leave that all furniture is put back into the room that they are listed as being in.
Wasted
Moving out is bound to generate heaps of rubbish. Creating a mountain of unwanted debris at the front of the house would be more than an eye sore - it could cost you a significant chunk of your deposit if the landlord is charged to remove it. Avoid that pitfall and take a trip to the tip.
Don’t give it up
If you think you have been unfairly charged ask for an itemised list that details exactly what your deposit has been spent on. Above all don’t give up. They expect you to lose interest once you’ve moved back home.