When coming to the end of the lease agreement, you may be wondering about what reasons your landlord may have to deduct from your tenancy deposit. Since the 6th of April 2007, your deposit must be protected by your landlord in a government-backed scheme. There are many rules regarding what condition tenants must leave the property in when coming to the end of their tenancy. The new laws regarding your tenancy deposit ensure that both the landlord and the tenants are treated fairly in any disputes.
In this article, you will find all the information you need about the condition your rental property must be in when coming to the end of your lease.
Tenant’s Responsibilities
Adhere to the lease agreement: as a tenant, you must sign a lease agreement which includes all of the landlord’s terms. If you breach the terms and conditions of the lease agreement, you may lose a considerable percentage or all of your security deposit. Every lease is different, every landlord has different conditions. Some may be a short one-paged agreement while others may be 10 or more. Here are a few of the standard lease terms:
- The amount of rent to be payed
- The length of the lease
- Deadline for payment
- Conditions in the case that you fail to pay your rent
- Conditions in the case that you pay your rent late
- Use of property
- End of lease requirements
Maintaining the hygiene of the property:
As a tenant, you are responsible to maintain the cleanliness of your rental property. Hygiene is one of the most important reasons for disputes when leaving your rental property. Your landlord is allowed deduct from your security deposit if they have to call in end of tenancy cleaners to make the property fit for renting out.
Maintaining appliances supplied by the landlord.
As a tenant, it is your obligation to use all appliances supplied by the landlord correctly. Misuse can lead to damage, which you can be held accountable for. You must maintain the oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine etc. in a reasonably clean condition and be used only for their intended purpose.
Prevention of mould growth
Tenants must make an effort to prevent dampness, causing mould growth. This means you have to make sure you don’t leave any windows or doors open in rainy or damp weather. If you notice any moisture accumulating or soft spots on the walls due to dampness, you must notify the landlord immediately.
Maintenance of gardens
If your rental property has a garden, the landlords generally require the tenant to maintain it. Others may take on the garden maintenance themselves, depending on the lease agreement.
Respecting the neighbours
Landlords require their tenants to make sure they and their guests to conduct themselves in a manner that is not disruptive to their neighbours. This includes not playing loud music, raised voices. In the case, you have children you are obliged to make sure they don’t run screaming around the rental property or its garden.
Replacing/repairing damage:
If any damage comes to the property or belongings of the landlord during your lease, you are responsible for the repair. If it is not possible for repairing you are obliged to replace whatever has been damaged.
However, it is not your obligation to deal with the usual wear and tear. Leakages, replacement of electrical appliances, flooring and anything that provides key functionality of the property. Of course, this is only the responsibility of the landlord if the problem is not caused by negligence.
End of tenancy cleaning:
It is the tenant’s responsibility to make sure the property is left according to the lease agreement. You must always make sure you attend the inventory report. In doing so, you make sure you can correct any issues that may lead to an unfair deduction from your tenancy deposit.
What to add in the check-in report at the beginning of your tenancy:
- Visible damage to furniture and walls
- Contents of each room
- Condition and quality of furniture
- Usability of all appliances
- Condition of all devices
- The state of all surfaces – floors, walls, ceilings, glass, wooden furniture
- Mould in the corners or on the walls of the rooms
- Hygiene of the entire property
- Condition of all the carpets
- Rips and tears in the upholstery
When it comes to the actual move out cleaning of the property, if you’re taking on the task yourself, it is best to go through an end of lease cleaning checklist beforehand. Another option is to consult with your landlord and make sure you list all of your landlord’s requirements.
If you are going to hire an end of tenancy cleaning service, make sure you book with professionals. Never go for the cheaper option. Trying to save money on cleaners may get you a significant deduction from your security deposit.
Reasons for which your landlord cannot deduct from your deposit
Your landlord is obligated to take care of the central heating, sinks, basins, baths, boilers and any other essential electrical appliances and cannot deduct these costs from your deposit. Sometimes in the case of a long-term lease agreement, the tenants and landlord make an agreement to both contribute to the maintenance of key facilities.
Maintenance and repair of the building
Other than the repairs and maintenance of the building, your landlord is also responsible for the maintenance of key facilities:
- Repairing walls and floors
- Repairing ceilings
- Maintenance and repair of the roof
- Maintenance of the gutters and pipes
- Foundations
- Guttering
Relevant documents:
As long as any of the damage to the listed above is not caused by negligence or direct damage from the tenant, it is your landlord’s responsibility. Even though it is the landlord’s responsibility, it still may come to a dispute. You should always keep important documents regarding your tenancy. These can include:
- Proof of payment
- Copy of the lease agreement
- Copy of the move-in report
- Copy of the move-out report
- Copy of the inventory report
- Dated and signed photos with the inventory report
- Receipts of rent payments and payments of the utility bills
- Written notices and emails with your landlord
Knowing your rights and responsibilities is the safest way to avoid disputes. Leaving the property in a good state is crucial to obtain your deposit in full. If you need a hand with the task, you can book our end of tenancy cleaning service and be sure our reliable professionals will do the job up to the highest of standards.
