In 2020, over half of property deposit dispute claims made by Landlords against Tenant’s deposits under TDS were due to the property needing a clean (25%) or making repairs to property or contents (27%) 

Rent arrears (8%), outstanding bills (2%), redecoration (11%), missing items (7%), gardening (5%) and various other (15%).

An open discussion with the tenant throughout the tenancy will minimise the need for any damage from a deposit claims by Landlords as issues on tenant damage can be addressed during the tenancy and both parties understand their obligations and can work together to resolve issues as they occur.

If a tenant is aware of the standard to which a property must be cleaned when vacated along with the need to address wear and tear beyond what might be reasonably expected, there would be less Landlords claiming damages.

The DPS figures for 2020 show landlords who entered a dispute were awarded at least some of their claim in 75% of cases, with tenants being awarded at least part of the amount claimed in 80% of cases.

Only 3% of all tenancies had ended in dispute in 2020, but approximately £4 million deposit money was paid to Landlords through the dispute resolution service.

With everything taken into account, it’s imperative a comprehensive inventory and schedule of condition report is done at the onset with regular inspections throughout the tenancy.