How to Ensure You Get ALL Your Deposit Back

Posted on 03/07/2010

So you're moving on. Your tenancy with Clear Lets has come to an end because you've found pastures further afield or maybe, understandably, you just want to invest in your own property.

So, how do you ensure you leave your Clear Lets property with the prospect of retaining 100 per cent of your deposit? Well, there's a few things to consider.

For instance, is the property in the same state as when you moved in? We're being picky and even talking replacing light bulbs here!

Give the place a thorough clean. No really, an EXTREMELY thorough clean, particularly the bathroom and kitchen (these are always the areas that require the most attention). And we're focusing on cooker hoods and fridges here.

It's actually worth getting the carpets and curtains professionally cleaned. It's not expensive and will be worth it in the long-run. If you don't, the landlord may do this anyway and bill you, particularly if you've had a few parties and the carpet is stained. And make sure all those dodgy drawers are working.

In terms of crockery and cutlery, if it's not fair wear and tear then you're going to be billed for it. So maybe you want to substitute those broken items?

When it comes to the freezer and fridge, always defrost and empty them and leave them in a good condition. No-one wants to come face-to-face with a five-month old salmon steak that's been hiding away at the back of the freezer. Also, remember to switch off both appliances.

Check the inventory - can you tick off the majority of the items?

What's the furniture looking like? Is there any big scratches/coffee cup stains/chunks taken out of the woodwork? Bear in mind, your landlord will particularly home in on these.

Bed linen - ensure it's not soiled, torn or ridiculously creased - the better it looks the better your chances of a 100 deposit return. And that applies to the bed itself. Is it still in shape and in a similar condition to when you moved in ie there's no large dent in it?

When it comes to decoration, landlords understand you want to make the place 'your own.' But they do object to huge holes in the wall where you've tried to hammer in a mirror but failed and left plaster hanging off. This will have to be fixed. So too will ripped wallpaper.

Always hand back keys at the end of a tenancy. If you don't, you'll be charged for their replacement.

So anyway, if you’re a new Clear Lets tenant we hope you found the above helpful. If you're an existing one and about to move out then please heed. After all, here at Clear Lets, we want to ensure your tenancy is as worry-free as possible. If you've any questions on the above, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our Letting experts are always just a phone call away.