Why are landlords refusing to give deposits back, and how you can beat it.
If you are currently renting, the last thing you need to be worrying about is losing your deposit. If you are already splashing out on your rent every month, your deposit could come in extremely useful and I know hundreds of pounds is a lot to lose.
New research has found that one in five tenants can expect to never see their deposit again. This is a shockingly high number, especially when the majority of landlords don’t have a good enough reason to keep the money.
72% of tenants surveyed by law firm Slater & Gordon said that they had to struggle to get theirs back. It’s clear to see that landlords aren’t keen to part with our money.
The same survey also concluded that out of the 500 landlords being surveyed, 79% of them said they wished they had asked for a higher deposit from tenants as it doesn’t cover damage to carpets, walls and furniture.
Why do landlords refuse to give you back your deposits?
If you are currently renting, these are the main reasons landlords will refuse you your deposit:
- Chipped paintwork
- Damaged wallpaper
- Damaged windows
- Broken furniture
How can you ensure you get your deposit back?
The most important thing is that you read your contract thoroughly before signing it. Once you’ve signed you have agreed to all of the landlords terms and conditions meaning if you break any of them, even without realising, it can be held against you.
It is also important that you take photos of any damage that is already present once you move in so nobody can accuse you of anything you weren’t responsible for. Stay in contact with your landlord throughout your tenancy and keep them up to date with any damage throughout your six or 12 month lease.
If you leave the property in the same condition it was in when you moved in, there is no reason why you shouldn’t get your deposit back.
The best way to ensure there is no disputes between tenants and landlords at the end of the tenancy is for both sides to keep a detailed inventory and keep on taking detailed photos of anything that could cause dispute later down the line.
Please let me know if you’ve had any problems with nightmare landlords in the past and how you’ve solved any disputes.
CLICK HERE to read more about the survey completed by Slater & Gordon.
Hi,
I’m currently in a dispute with my former landlord regarding my deposit. Well, actually, I’m not because she’s refusing to answer any of my emails. The dispute was raised with MyDeposits who have demanded so much paperwork and are also now not responding to my emails.
With rental prices in London as high as they are anyway, it’s absolutely ridiculous that these people can get away with scamming more money out of the little people!