As a student, leaving an accommodation can be an exciting time as it may mark the end of your academic year or a transition to a new place. However, it can also be a stressful time, especially when it comes to getting your deposit back. Here are some tips to help ensure you get your whole deposit back once you leave an accommodation.
Pay all utilities before leaving the property
One of the most important things to do before leaving an accommodation is to ensure that all the utilities have been paid. This includes water, electric, gas, and WiFi bills. Failure to pay these bills can result in deductions from your deposit.
Proper use of mattress protectors , damage to beds and furniture
Using mattress protectors is an important part of maintaining the condition of the bed. Small stains on the bed can lead to the whole bed being charged for, including the transportation costs for getting a replacement bed or furniture and discarding damaged beds or furniture.
Cleaning the property
Cleaning the property is crucial to getting your whole deposit back. This includes cleaning the fridge, oven, bathtub, vacuuming the carpets, and ensuring the property is left in a good condition. If the property is not clean, then deductions from your deposit can be made to cover the cost of cleaning the property.
Do not use the deposit as last months rent
The deposit is not meant to be used as the last month's rent. It is a security deposit that is intended to cover any damages or unpaid bills. Using the deposit as last months rent can lead to deductions from your deposit.
Beware of call-out charges
Call-out charges can be applied by the agency for a variety of reasons, such as key cut charges, key loss, or changing locks. These charges can quickly add up, so it is essential to be mindful of them.
Beware of damages caused by hot pans
Using hot pans can cause damages to kitchen tops and carpets. Carpets are especially costly to repair or replace, and an iron box should never be used on them. Therefore, it is essential to be mindful of these damages and avoid using hot pans on carpets.
Keep the house clean
Keeping the house clean during any inspection is essential to avoid mid-contract deductions from your deposit for pest removal services. A clean and tidy house will also give a good impression to the landlord or letting agency, which may work in your favor.
Tenants will be billed for pest treatment if the property is dirty and attracts pests
If a property is dirty, it can attract pests like mice, rats, and insects. If this happens, the landlord or letting agency may bill the tenant for pest treatment. It is, therefore, important to keep the property clean and tidy to avoid any unnecessary deductions from the deposit.
Bicycles can leave marks on the walls if they are parked inside
If bicycles are parked inside the property, they can leave marks on the walls. The landlord or letting agency may charge for the cost of repainting or repairing any damage caused by bicycles. To avoid this, tenants should consider parking their bicycles outside the property or using a bicycle stand.
Cost of painting is chargeable
If the tenant has made any changes to the property or caused damage to the walls, the landlord or letting agency may charge for the cost of repainting. This includes hanging pictures, posters, or artwork on the walls. To avoid any unnecessary charges, tenants should use non-damaging picture hooks or seek the landlords permission before making any changes to the property.
No dumping food waste through the sink or inappropriate flushing of waste through toilets
The landlord or letting agency may charge the tenant for the cost of drain unblocking if food waste is dumped through the sink or inappropriate waste is flushed through the toilet. To avoid any unnecessary charges, tenants should dispose of waste properly and follow the guidelines for waste disposal.
Improper use of shower curtain and bathroom floors getting wet can damage flooring and tenant is chargeable
If the shower curtain is not used correctly, water can get onto the bathroom floor, causing damage to the flooring. The landlord or letting agency may charge for the cost of repairing or replacing any damaged flooring. To avoid this, tenants should ensure that the shower curtain is correctly positioned to prevent water from escaping onto the bathroom floor.
Sticky pads or blue tacs on walls or damage to walls is chargeable by agency
Using sticky pads or blue tacs to hang pictures or posters can cause damage to the walls. The landlord or letting agency may charge for the cost of repairing any damage caused by these adhesives. To avoid any unnecessary charges, tenants should use non-damaging picture hooks or seek the landlords permission before making any changes to the property.
The agency can charge the tenant for mold buildup
If the tenant does not properly ventilate the property or address any damp issues, this can lead to the buildup of mold. The landlord or letting agency may charge the tenant for the cost of cleaning and treating any mold that develops. To avoid any unnecessary charges, tenants should ensure that they aerate the property by leaving windows open or using a dehumidifier.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE SEE OUR MOLD AND CONDENSATION BLOG:
Leave windows open because of condensation and mold buildup
Leaving windows open is important to prevent the buildup of condensation and mold in the
property. This can be especially important during the winter months when heating is used. Tenants should ensure that windows are opened regularly to allow for ventilation and air circulation.
Late rent payments are chargeable from the deposit at £50 a week
If the tenant fails to make rent payments on time, the landlord or letting agency may charge a late payment fee. This fee may be deducted from the tenant's deposit. It is, therefore, important to ensure that rent payments are made on time to avoid any unnecessary deductions.
Contract changing fee of £50 per tenant
If the tenant needs to change the terms of their tenancy agreement, the landlord or letting agency may charge a contract changing fee. This fee may be deducted from the tenants deposit. It is important to ensure that any changes to the tenancy agreement are made in accordance with the terms and conditions.
In conclusion, by following these tips, students can help ensure they get their whole deposit back once they leave an accommodation. It's essential to be mindful of any potential damages, keep the property clean and tidy, and ensure all bills are paid on time. By doing so, tenants can minimize any deductions from their deposit and ensure they receive the full amount back when they leave the property.
- Hey House Life Team
Comments