Due to various factors, more and more people are now renting properties instead of purchasing. While there are upsides to renting and it is a great option for people in many circumstances, there are a few important areas to consider and one of these is getting your deposit back at the end of the tenancy. This can be challenging and particularly if you have lived in the property for a few years (although some wear and tear is expected). Here are a few tips to make sure that you get your deposit back in full.
Take Photos
When you move in, it is a smart idea to take photos of everything so that you have evidence of what the property looked like when you first moved in – this is particularly important if there are scuff marks, scratches etc.
Regular Cleaning
Next, it is a good idea to keep the property clean while you are living in it. If you were to let dirt build up, this could cause all kinds of problems which you would be responsible for – permanent stains, mould and infestations are just a few examples. In addition to this, it is also a good idea to hire a professional cleaner once you have moved your possessions out to return it to its previous state.
Reporting Issues Early
Following on from this, if there are any issues that arise (whether your fault or not) you must notify your landlord immediately. This is so that work can be carried out to stop the problem from becoming even bigger and one that you would be liable for.
Know the Rules
Every landlord will have different rules as to how they let tenants use the property. If you know what these rules are you can avoid making any changes that would result in a deduction from your deposit. They may even make an exception to the rule if you ask nicely. As an example, you may not be allowed to use blue tack on the walls but you can change the curtains or replace furniture. Additionally, make sure that you adhere to any rules regarding smoking – if you are not allowed to smoke inside then you could switch to an alternative like vaping with devices available from places like VIP.
Maintain Positive Relationships
You should always be friendly to the landlord and keep them in the loop about anything to do with the property – they are much more likely to give a deposit back to friendly, well-behaved tenants that respect their property.
It is important that you get your deposit back as this is a large sum of money and particularly if you need to put a deposit down on another rental property. This can be hard and especially if you live in the same house for a few years, but with careful consideration and maintenance you should receive the sum back in full.