It’s really important to keep track of any documents, information and correspondence from the start of your tenancy as it could be crucial to getting all of your deposit back when you move out of your student property.  

Why should you think about problems with your deposit when you’ve just moved into your property? Last year, four in ten students had part of their deposits kept by landlords for various deposit disputes.


1. Collect documents from the time you move into the property and keep them safe

• Tenancy Agreement

Thoroughly read through your tenancy agreement so you are aware of what you should and should not do whilst living at the student property.

• Check-in Inventory 

It’s crucial to sign a check-in inventory outlining the condition of the interior of the property, the contents and the state of cleanliness on the date that you move into the property. If you don’t have a copy of the check-in inventory, you must ask your landlord or agent for one. Once you receive it, you should check it thoroughly, make any amendments and sign it.

Typically, you have ten days to make any amendments to the inventory before you send it back.

• Check-In / Check-Out Photos

Take as many photos of the property as possible when you move in, and again once you move out; it’s a great way to visually compare the condition of the property since the start of your tenancy.  It is very important that all of your images are digitally dated to prove when they were taken.

• Keep records

Keep detailed notes of any problems you encounter during your tenancy, including any phone calls, emails or meetings you have with the landlord or agency. Your notes must include the date, time and what was discussed as they could be used as evidence if there is a formal dispute.

We suggest following up any phone calls with an email, including anything which was discussed in the call.

Top tip! If your landlord visits the property and makes suggestions on what needs to be fixed or changed, you should follow up on the advice immediately and send proof via email.


2. Discuss issues with your landlord or agent

• Compare the check-out inventory at the end of your tenancy with the condition of the property. Have you noticed any differences between the two? Is there damage to the property or interior which has not been listed on the inventory? Is the standard of cleanliness worse?

• Is there any other written evidence to take into account?

• Discuss any problems with the inventory checks with the landlord or agent and consider a compromise to any dispute made.

If there are any disputes which cannot be resolved, you may require to take legal action. You will need to submit a formal dispute through the scheme which is protecting your tenancy deposit.

Top tip! If you are considering taking legal action, it is very important to keep on top of rent payments and not to fall in rental arrears with your landlord.


3. What if you cannot agree on the returned deposit?

My Deposits offers a free dispute resolution service with an impartial and binding decision.

• To submit a formal dispute, you will be required to fill out an easy online form, explaining any problems.

• Your dispute application will require evidence to support your claims, which could include: documents, images or correspondence with your landlord. The clearer the evidence, the easier it is to make a fair decision for both parties involved.

 

Student Tenancy Deposit Protection

Did you know that by law, your tenancy deposit must be put into a government-backed scheme? Currently, there are three authorised schemes which your landlord can use. Be sure to check that your landlord is protecting your deposit in a scheme, and has proof that your deposit has been put into a protected scheme. You are legally allowed to request proof of deposit protection at any time throughout your tenancy.