A Landlord will expect you to pay a Deposit when you sign the Letting Agreement. Do not hand over any money before you sign!

A Deposit usually amounts to one month’s rent. The Deposit is legally refundable at the end of the Letting if you leave the Property in the same condition as when you moved in and all your bills are paid.

Your Deposit may be retained by your Landlord to cover:

• Any rent arrears (rent which has become due but not paid) • Any unpaid bills for which you are responsible
• The cost of replacing any of the Contents of the Property which have been damaged or destroyed or are missing
• The cost of repairing any damage to the Property (whether accidental or deliberate). Damage being anything which extends beyond fair wear and tear.
• The cost of cleaning the Property and removing excessive rubbish.

To avoid disputes over the return of your Deposit:

• Agree with the Landlord in writing BEFORE you sign the Letting Agreement exactly what the Deposit will cover.
• Obtain a receipt for the Deposit.
• Insist that the Landlord agrees an Inventory with you before you move in.
• Before asking for your Deposit back at the end of the Letting ensure that you replace any broken or missing Contents, repair any damage and clean up. Your Landlord may legitimately spend part of your Deposit on professional cleaning services if the Property is left dirty and untidy.
• At the end of the Letting your Landlord will inspect the Property. Be There! Check each item against the Inventory and agree a date for the return of the Deposit.

If the Landlord does not return your Deposit as agreed, contact The Legal Lounge for advice.

The Legal Lounge, www.thelegallounge.com.

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