8 Simple ways to Get your Damage Deposit Back

If you’re renting your home, it’s more than likely that you’ve had to put down a damage deposit. This deposit covers the cost of any repairs the landlord has to make when you leave, or if you owe rent to them.

But if you’ve been a good tenant and you’ve kept up with your payments, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get your damage deposit back. Follow our 8 tips to get your deposit back with no hassle.

1. Read your contract

Your contract should outline everything that is expected of you when you come to move out. Generally, tenancy agreements say that you are responsible for cleaning the property before you leave and will tell you what kind of damages are considered outside of normal wear and tear.

2. Scour your inventory

If you have a good landlord or letting agency, they should have provided you with an inventory. This will have details of the condition of the entire property, including decor and fixtures and fittings. If you notice anything that isn’t listed on there and you think it should be, make sure you ask them to add it to the inventory.

3. Help your landlord find new tenants

Be as helpful as you can when you’re holding viewings for the property. If your landlord has people lined up ready to move in the moment you move out, they’re likely to be in a good mood.

4. Give the right amount of notice

Your tenancy agreement should state how many weeks’ notice you have to give before you can move out. Make sure you stick to this, and your landlord will be happy that you’re following the rules.

5. Fix things up

It’s common to have some small damages in a property when you’ve lived there for a long while, but to make your landlord happy you could fix anything that has broken over time or touch up any knicks and dents.

6. Get the property cleaned professionally

Yes, this will cost more than you doing it yourself, but it will be noticeable that you have had your home deep cleaned and the landlord should recognise this. Plus, if there are any disputes over getting your damage deposit back, you’ll have a receipt as proof that you had the property professionally cleaned.

7. Keep a dialogue with your landlord

If you keep in touch with your landlord, telling them if you’re doing any repairs or letting them know you’re getting the place professionally cleaned, they’ll be happy that you’re taking moving out seriously. Then they’ll be more likely to return your damage deposit.

8. Give the landlord or letting agency your details to return the damage deposit

Giving your landlord your bank details beforehand will help to speed up the process. Remember, as long as everything is in order with the property, your landlord has to give you your damage deposit back within 10 days.

If you need some help with moving out, we’ve got plenty of removal companies on our books that can help make your move that little bit more smooth.