Cleaning accounts for 65% of deposit disputes

Cleaning accounts for 65% of deposit disputes

0:02 AM, 10th February 2025, About 15 hours ago

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Protected deposits in England and Wales have surged to £5.2 billion, a 6% rise, while Scotland’s total reached £203.6 million, a 7% increase, an annual report from TDS Group reveals.

Despite a 1.3% dip in the number of protected deposits in England and Wales – now standing at 4,624,079 – the average deposit hit a record £1,125.

Disputes saw a slight increase, with adjudications in England and Wales reaching 42,242, a 0.91% rate.

Scotland’s adjudication rate stands at 1.9%, while Northern Ireland remains below 1%.

Of TDS England and Wales insured disputes, cleaning issues are primary dispute driver for 65% of disputes, while damage to fixtures and fittings account for 45%.

TDS says that many of the claims it receives cover more than one issue, such as cleaning and damage.

Shifts in deposit protection trend

The chief executive of TDS Group, Steve Harriott, said: “This year’s briefing highlights notable shifts in deposit protection trends and an increase in dispute volumes, reinforcing the importance of robust tenancy management practices. “The rise in custodial deposit protection suggests landlords and agents are increasingly opting for security and compliance in a changing market.

“As deposit values climb and disputes evolve, our role in providing a trusted and efficient dispute resolution service remains critical in supporting landlords, tenants, and agents across the UK.”

He adds that the data underscores the importance of thorough check-in and check-out inventories and that well-documented tenancy agreements help to reduce disputes over cleaning and damage claims.

Custodial deposit protection

The statistical briefing for 2024, which utilises Freedom of Information data and Office for National Statistics figures, shows a move away from insurance-backed deposit options.

TDS found that custodial deposit protection now covers 54.56% of England and Wales deposits.

Regional disparities persist, with England and Wales deposits exceeding the national average.

Scotland experienced the largest deposit value growth, from £772 in 2023 to £836 in 2024.

Rents continue their upward trend, TDS says, with England and Wales reporting a 9.1% increase and Scotland a 10.9% rise.


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