Copy article

DAILY MIRROR - Steps renters need to take to help get deposit back

ended 20. March 2024

A Daily Mirror journalist is writing a piece about renters and rental depoists. 

She wants to highlight the three things tenants must do when they first move into a rental property which will help them receive their deposit back.

From my own experience, I would say these things are:

Full check of the inventory with a check for each item in the property
Report any and all defects (even minor) before unpacking
Take pictures and videos as soon as you arrive

Would you agree? I would love to have an expert to explain why these checks in particular are vital for tenants and how it could help them if they have to take their case to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme

Very quick turnaround!

8 responses from the Newspage community

Copy all

Copy

Editor
Ben Perks
Managing Director at Orchard Financial Advisers
Unscrupulous landlords will view the deposit as an extension of the money due to them and they will make you fight tooth and nail to try and get it back. Things are improving as Tenants Rights have become more widely understood and the support available has grown.
Liaising with organisations, such as Shelter, who can provide free legal advice for housing problems will help to ensure you're not unjustly ripped off.
But the best thing a tenant can do is go over the property with a fine tooth comb and report and photograph any problems at all, no matter how insignificant they may seem. This needs to be done on Day 1 and reported immediately.
The vast majority of Landlords arent out to get you, most are keen to keep you. So reporting issues can help both you and them.

Copy

Editor
Harps Garcha
Director at Brooklyns Financial
Absolutely, encouraging landlords to have an inventory carried out before moving in can avoid disputes at the end of tenancy, which can be stressful. It is essential to check the inventory within a specified timeframe (often within 7 days of moving in) and notify any discrepancies to the landlord. Since not all landlords arrange inventories, it is wise for tenants to take their own pictures and videos of the property before moving in. This can support tenants and serve as evidence in case of any disputes during the tenancy or upon moving out. In the event of a disagreement escalating to arbitration with a deposit holding scheme, it will ultimately be the landlords responsibility to provide evidence to support their claim(s). Furthermore, report any maintenance issues as they arise. Make sure to thoroughly review your responsibilities as outlined in the tenancy agreement. Knowing where you stand can help avoid any surprises down the road.
Copy

Editor
Dariusz Karpowicz
Director at Albion Financial Advice
Double-checking the inventory and snapping photos or videos the moment you step in sets you up for success. Why? It's like having a crystal-clear memory of your new home's condition. If any issue pops up when moving out, you've got the proof to back your story. Think of it as your rental detective kit - it can make a huge difference, especially if you need to appeal to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. Sadly, not all landlords play fair with deposits and do not protect them, but knowing your rights and having this evidence puts power in your hands. Always stay informed and prepared!
Copy

Editor
Michelle Lawson
Director at Lawson Financial
A good clear comprehensive inventory, your own photos and your amendment comments are a must. Always report any maintenance issues immediately however do understand that it can take time for a landlord to rectify matters as it would do if you were a homeowner. Be aware of your responsibilities as a tenant from the outset and what the landlord expects of you. A tenant should always take appropriate care of the property as if it was their own. Common things that people miss on move out are things like oven cleaning and dusting skirting boards. The property should always be left as they would want to find it.
Copy

Editor
Mike Staton
Director at Staton Mortgages
The first thing any Renter should do is pick up the phone and speak to a good mortgage advisor, we regularly have appointments with clients that are not currently in a position to buy but we feel these appointments are invaluable as we can set these clients on the right path towards home ownership, simple measures like looking at bank statements and seeing what unnecessary luxuries can be omitted from their lifestyle is a major game changer and can help towards the ever seeming impossible task of raising the dreaded deposit. Getting an agreement in principle at the stage to see if you are mortgage worthy is also a good idea, theres no point in saving a deposit if you cant get a mortgage or your ambitions of buying a property is unrealistic.
Copy

Imran Khan
Co-founder & CEO at QuantumLoopAI
For both tenants and landlords, the key to a fair and smooth tenancy lies in thorough documentation from the start. As soon as you move into a rental property, take the time to meticulously check the provided inventory against the actual condition of the property, if there isn't one then do one yourself as you need this for your tenancy. Any discrepancies should be reported immediately, backed by clear photographic and video evidence before you unpack your belongings. This level of diligence is not just for tenants aiming to protect their deposits, but also for landlords seeking to maintain their property's condition. It's essential to establish this evidence early on, as it becomes the cornerstone of any deposit dispute resolution. Doing so sets a foundation of transparency and trust, ensuring that any claims are judged on solid evidence by the adjudicators. This proactive approach benefits both parties, safeguarding interests and promoting a fair, evidence-based resolution process.
Copy

Gary Bush
Financial Adviser at MortgageShop.com
Tenants protect system is failing them, even though we now have the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, tenant deposits are still a sticky subject - with some rogue landlords deeming the monies theirs from the point of a tenancy starting. It's very easy for landlords to make wild vexatious claims of damage on tenants vacating their property however these usually boil down to just wear and tear of the property and fittings - which isn't a valid reason for withholding families' monies. Landlords have adequate allowance to frequently replace items that are nearing their end date through their accounting practices as deductibles however some seem to want it both ways. Anyone looking to sign a tenancy agreement should, on the day of taking possession, check thoroughly the inventory and take ample videos and pictures of the property as evidence and carry out the same process on the day of vacation - to do otherwise leaves them with little defence it seems. The current scheme might need tweaking perhaps.
Copy

Nicola Smith
Group Residential Director at Complete Prime Residential
Moving into a new rental property can be both exciting and daunting. To ensure a smooth transition, there are several key tips to keep in mind. First, it's crucial to conduct your own inventory check to determine what items are provided by the landlord. Take the time to thoroughly inspect and take pictures of the property, including walls, carpets, and concealed areas, to identify any pre-existing issues or major problems such as leaks, mould, or pests that could result in charges from the landlord. If the landlord makes promises, such as repairs or amenities, ensure they are documented in writing. Before signing the rental agreement, carefully read through it to understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, as well as those of the landlord. The tenancy agreement is also likely to detail important steps to maintain the property's upkeep, thereby reducing the risk of potential charges for damages.