At the start of a tenancy, you may be asked to pay a deposit in case you damage the property or do not pay the rent or bills. This deposit is also known as a bond. If your landlord takes a deposit from you, it must be logged with a government protection scheme.
At the end of your tenancy your deposit should be returned to you in full. This is within 10 days of you both agreeing how much you will get back. Landlords can make deductions from the deposit for -
- damage to the property
- unpaid rent
- missing items
- covering the cost of cleaning the property
You are entitled to see receipts for any items that have been deducted from the deposit money. If you are in a dispute with your landlord, your deposit is protected in the tenancy deposit scheme until the issue is sorted out.
Cleaning
You are only required to clean any items soiled above normal wear and tear.
Damage
Landlords can deduct as much as is needed to repair or replace any items that have been damaged on a like for like basis.
Wear and tear
Landlords cannot keep deposit money because of general wear and tear to the property. Photos should be taken of the condition of the property at the start of a tenancy.
Rent arrears
If you owe rent when you leave a property, the landlord can deduct the outstanding amount from the deposit. If you owe more than the value of the deposit, the landlord can take you to court to get the rest of the money back.
If you need further information, email us at housing.standards@hullcc.gov.uk.