Avoiding deposit dramas

A COMMON issue when it comes to renting is the aftermath - when you're trying to claw your deposit back.

- 

There can be complications, and often renters lose hundreds of pounds over small issues that could have been avoided or fixed.

We spoke with experts about how to get rental deposits back and what people's rights are.

What are the most common reasons tenants lose deposits?

Eddie Hooker, CEO of MyDeposits, says the most common deduction a tenant will face is due to cleaning.

"Generally what will happen is that a tenant won't leave the property the way the landlord expects," he explains.

"What we suggest tenants do is allow their landlord to do the cleaning or make sure they ask the landlord what state or level of cleaning they're expected to do. A common thing is tenants will move in with a clean or deep-cleaned oven, then they'll leave two or three years later and the landlord will have to go off and clean it and make a charge to the tenant.

"And look at the check-in report inventory, which will demonstrate the level of cleanliness you're supposed to leave the property in when you vacate."