Inventory check out and deposits
You need to check the inventory and ensure that all items are back in their original rooms and that the property is clean. The inventory will be used to assess whether any deductions are made from your deposit.
There is an allowance for ‘fair wear and tear’ which means any marks from normal everyday use is allowed. As long as the property is in the same condition as when you moved in, your deposit should be returned.
Steps to getting your deposit returned
- Ensure you leave the property in the condition in which it was let to you - allowing for fair wear and tear - and check that you have paid your rent and any other expenses.
- Attend the ‘check-out inventory’ and only sign the document if you agree with its contents; this will be used to assess any deductions from your deposit.
- Once deductions from your deposit have been agreed, the landlord should return the undisputed amount of your deposit within 10 days.
- If you agree to deductions with the landlord, think carefully about the cost of certain items/ services. A landlord or agent cannot charge for a new replacement item if the item was already old/used/worn when you moved in. For example, if a carpet is five years old at the start of your tenancy, but is subsequently damaged and requires replacement at the end of the tenancy, you will only be liable for a proportionate amount of the cost of a brand new carpet.
| Allowed | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| Unpaid rent | Fair wear and tear |
| Damage to the property | Betterment (charging you to improve the value of the property e.g. redecorating a whole room because of one scratch) |
| Missing items | Charging you for damage that was there before you moved in |
| Cleaning costs | |
| Changes to the property (if you make changes without consent, the landlord may charge you to put the property back to how it was before) | |