STUDENT GUIDE
HOW TOHOW YOUR DEPOSIT BACK BACK
GET TO GET YOUR DEPOSIT
FOR COPING WITH FLATMATES
Landlords, in general, are often much too keen to hold on to a deposit, and this seems
to be even more the case when it comes to student accommodation. Most contracts will
require a property to be returned in the same state as when it was rented out, so that
it can be rented out again. The deposit is meant to cover the cost of any damage to the
property, which could be anything from stained carpets to broken beds.
A deposit shouldn’t be used to pay for wear and tear; i.e. the effect of the property
being occupied.
However, there are unfortunately some landlords out there who either don’t understand
the basic concept of the damage deposit, or who are determined to squeeze as much
money out of you as they can. So, how do you make sure that you get your deposit back
when you move out?
CHOOSE A DECENT
LANDLORD IN THE
FIRST PLACE
WHEN YOU RENT THE
PROPERTY
Do the inventory
It might seem a waste of time to go
around and note every crack or scuff
mark, but this document is proof of preexisting damage when you moved in and
which the landlord cannot try to keep any
of your deposit to pay for.
The Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) forces
landlords to protect their tenants’ deposits
with one of the three authorised schemes.
Landlords must tell their tenants within 30
days of moving in, with which scheme the
deposit has been registered.
Take photos too
You can also look out for the AFS Unipol
Code symbol. This is an accreditation
system that shows a landlord is a
competent and professional manager and
that their properties are being properly
handled.
Seems a little over the top? Well it won’t
when your landlord is attempting to keep
your entire deposit to replace a carpet
that the previous tenants stained and
you need proof that you didn’t cause the
damage. Focus on particular problem
areas, like flooring, bathroom furnishings
and any furniture damage – and use a
digital camera so the images are time
and date stamped.
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STUDENT GUIDE
Ok, so this is quite difficult to judge, but if
they’re telling you there’s no need for an
inventory, written tenancy agreement or
initial inspection, avoid like the plague –
and if they have no idea about protecting
your deposit, then rent with someone else.