Struggling to get your full deposit back? Many landlords unfairly deduct money, but knowing their tactics and how to challenge them can help you keep what’s rightfully yours. At Ask Legal Solicitors, we specialise in helping tenants fight unfair deposit deductions. Call us now at 0161 436 0006 for expert advice.
1. The ‘Professional Cleaning’ Trap
Tactic Used: Landlords claim the property must be cleaned to a ‘professional standard’ and deduct cleaning costs, even if the tenant has cleaned it properly.
How to Challenge: The law states tenants only need to return the property in the same cleanliness as at the start of the tenancy. If there’s no proof it was professionally cleaned before, the landlord can’t demand this. Always refer to the check-in inventory and provide photographic evidence.
2. ‘Wear and Tear’ vs. ‘Damage’ – Blurring the Lines
Tactic Used: Landlords charge for ‘damage’ when it’s actually normal wear and tear (e.g., minor scuffs on walls, carpet fading).
How to Challenge: The law protects tenants from being charged for normal wear and tear. Compare check-in and check-out reports, reference the Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS) guidelines, and dispute excessive claims.
3. The ‘Missing Inventory’ Trick
Tactic Used: Landlords claim missing or damaged items, but no inventory exists to prove what was there initially.
How to Challenge: If there’s no signed inventory, the landlord has no legal basis to prove their claim. Tenants should always request and keep a copy of the signed inventory.
4. The ‘Delayed Dispute’ Pressure
Tactic Used: Landlords delay deposit return, hoping tenants will give up on disputing deductions.
How to Challenge: By law, the deposit must be returned within 10 days of both parties agreeing on deductions. If the landlord is stalling, escalate the dispute to the deposit protection scheme (TDS, MyDeposits, or DPS).
5. Charging for ‘Repairs’ Without Receipts
Tactic Used: Some landlords charge for repairs but refuse to provide invoices or receipts.
How to Challenge: Tenants can demand evidence of costs. If landlords refuse, dispute the claim and request adjudication.
How to Dispute Unfair Deductions – Step by Step
- Gather Evidence – Photos, emails, check-in/out reports, cleaning receipts.
- Communicate First – Ask the landlord for an explanation with proof.
- Raise a Formal Dispute – Use the deposit protection scheme’s dispute resolution service.
- Escalate if Needed – If unresolved, consider taking legal action via the Small Claims Court.
Need Legal Help? Call Ask Legal Solicitors Today
If your landlord is unfairly withholding your deposit, don’t let them get away with it. Speak to our expert solicitors at Ask Legal Solicitors. Call us now at 0161 436 0006 for a free consultation.
