Students - How To Get Your Deposit Back

It is not too early to start thinking about your deposit return at the end of your tenancy. Cleaning throughout the year will make it easier when you come to vacate the property at the end of your tenancy.

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If you are currently a student renting out a property, you will be aware of the deposit that you had to pay to secure your home. As I am sure you are aware, this will be returned at the end of your tenancy minus any deductions that may have to be made for any damage or cleaning that is required.

But, how do you get back as much deposit as possible?

We have put together our top tips on how to protect your deposit.

 

Cleaning:

 It is important to keep on top of your cleaning. This can sometimes be the biggest deposit deduction for some student properties. Regular cleaning throughout the year will make sure the property does not need a deep clean at the end of the tenancy. Make sure you clean the bathroom and kitchen to avoid any build up of limescale and dirt (especially the toilet). Making sure the property is clean throughout the year will also reduce the risk of pests.

If you allow mould to build up and don’t resolve the problem, then you could face deductions. Make sure you tackle this as soon as you notice it. If you haven’t already, see our previous article on condensation and how to prevent it.

You will also need to make sure that all rubbish is removed by the end of the tenancy. Otherwise, you may be charged for the removal of this. If you have a large amount of rubbish, it would be advisable to visit your local community recycling centre.

It is easy to forget about the fridge and freezer. Make sure these are cleaned and emptied. It is best practice to defrost the freezer before you leave the property.

The cooker can build up with dirt and grease if it is not cleaned regularly throughout the year. Make sure you clean it often to avoid it being a hard job at the end of the tenancy.

 

Broken Items:

Let’s face it, accidents happen, and items can get broken. It is always best to try and replace the item yourself as it may cost a lot more money if you leave it for your landlord to deduct from your deposit. For example, it may be best to replace a broken toilet seat or cups than leaving it till the end of your tenancy.

If you are responsible for the damage, you should think about replacing the items yourself at a much more reasonable price. However, if you are not responsible for the damage, then you will not need to replace it. If the item is something too expensive or big, such as a washing machine or oven, it is always best to contact your landlord.

 

Missing Items / Missing Keys:

If any of your housemates are missing or have lost keys, then there will be a charge for replacement. If a number of keys are not returned or there is a worry about the security of the property, then the locks may have to be changed and this will cost money.

Make sure you leave the landlords belongings in the property at the end of the tenancy. If any items are missing, then you may be charged for this. If you move items around the house, it is best to return them back to the place they were originally in. 

 

Garden:

If your property benefits from a garden, you will be liable to make sure the garden is clean and tidy at the end of the tenancy. This means that you will need to weed and cut the grass. It always best to keep on top of this throughout the year rather than tackling it at the end.