How you can get your rental deposit back from your landlord

There have been thousands of horror stories over the years where tenants have lost out on huge sums of money because of a few key mistakes.

Luckily, an expert has shared some ways you can get your deposit back when leaving the property.

Expert shares how you can get your deposit back from your landlord

There are a number of ways tenants can get their deposits back (Image: Getty Images)

Here is how you can ensure you get your rental deposit back from your landlord, according to property expert, Joshua Houston from Household Quotes.

Keep all documentation 

Over the tenancy period, you will collect a lot of different documents. These can include the tenancy agreement, inventory, communication with your landlord and photographs of the property before you moved in as a renter.

Ensuring you have these when you move out will allow you to cite clauses and use picture evidence when making your case.

Regular communication

Ensuring you have regular communication with your landlord and raising any problems as they come about is key. Failing to tell the landlord of any breakages before moving out can lead to charges and money being taken from your deposit.

Check the inventory

Before moving into the property, you will be sent an inventory of everything included in the home, including appliances and the condition of various things.

You should check each of these to ensure everything is as stated on the inventory and raise any discrepancies with the landlord.

Not being on top of cleaning is a common way renters lose their deposits (Image: Getty Images)

Be on top of cleaning

The expert states: "A dirty rental property is a big reason for people losing their deposit, landlords will have to hire cleaning teams to put in many hours of work to get the home up to standard.

"To prevent this, keep on top of cleaning regularly. Don’t allow dirt to build up, and think about ventilation to prevent dampness and mould. It will make the job of moving out a much easier experience as well."

Pay for a professional 

Joshua says: "When your tenancy is coming to an end, you could pay for a professional cleaner to go to the property.

"This will ensure that it is cleaned to a high standard, and will look good to the landlord.

"Cleaners will have cleaning products and will know areas that you would otherwise miss.

"A bonus is telling your landlord that you’ve had a professional in, this will indicate to them that you’ve taken real care of the property. A lot of the time, cleaners only charge for the hour. So for two hours, you’re looking at between £30 to £40."