More than half of disputes about the return of tenancy deposits during the last year resulted from property damage and cleaning according to figures from the Deposit Protection Service.
The league table for disputes consisted of:
– Property content damage – 27.3 per cent of disputes;
– Cleaning – 26.64 per cent;
– Redecoration – 11.77 per cent;
– Rent arrears – 8.19 per cent;
– Missing items – 5.34 per cent;
– Gardening problems – 4.94 per cent;
– Utilities/bills – 1.28 per cent;
– Other – 14.55 per cent.
DPS managing director Matt Trevett says: “By not cleaning – for example leaving the build-up of grease or grime in an oven to the point where a professional cleaner cannot rectify it – tenants run the risk of damage for which they are then liable, depending on the obligations set out in their tenancy agreement.
“To avoid disagreements and ensure a swift conclusion to the tenancy, we always recommend that landlords communicate clearly with tenants about their responsibilities to the property and that tenants abide by the obligations set out in their tenancy agreements.
“Less than three per cent of our deposits fall into dispute, and we work hard to ensure there is a wealth of information online to help landlords avoid or deal with a dispute when it arises.”
