Renters lose millions in cleaning deposit deductions

Renters lose millions in cleaning deposit deductions

0:01 AM, 19th June 2024, About 6 months ago 11

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Millions of pounds are being lost by the UK’s renters due to cleaning-related deposit deductions, according to research.

The flat-sharing site SpareRoom found that nearly two-thirds of renters have had money withheld from their deposits over cleaning issues.

This equates to a staggering £724million lost every year.

The average deduction is £250, but some renters face much steeper charges, with 29% having over £500 deducted and 16% losing more than £750.

Just one in three tenants who challenged deductions were successful.

Landlords want their property left in good condition

Matt Hutchinson, a director of the firm, said: “Navigating the moving out process can be a stressful one, for both renters and landlords, and ultimately landlords want to ensure their property is left in a good condition as much as renters want their deposits back.

“Although landlords can’t legally demand that tenants pay for professional cleaning, to minimise the risk of cleaning-related deposit deductions, renters should ensure that they’ve conducted a thorough clean either themselves or using a professional service, as well as staying on top of cleaning throughout the tenancy.”

He adds: “It can be a tricky road to navigate, but transparent landlord-tenant conversations throughout the process can help to ensure there are no surprise deductions at the end of the road.”

Cleaning is a common source of tension

The research also found that cleaning is a common source of tension between flatmates with many using cleaning rotas.

And 17% of renters invest in professional cleaning before leaving their rented home.

SpareRoom‘s research also sheds light on the most neglected household chores – with the oven topping the list as the least cleaned appliance.

The survey found 13% of renters admitting to never cleaning it.

Experts recommend deep cleaning every three months to prevent grease accumulation.

31% of renters never clean the dishwasher

Another neglected item is the dishwasher, with 31% of renters never cleaning it despite its need for regular maintenance to remove detergent residue.

However, tenants are diligent about fridge cleanliness, with nearly a quarter cleaning it weekly.

Experts advise a comprehensive deep clean of the fridge every few months for optimal hygiene.

And 11% of renters do not regularly clean their windows.


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Cider Drinker

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9:23 AM, 19th June 2024, About 6 months ago

Dirt isn’t fair wear and tear.

Tenants have a choice. They can clean the property to a similar standard as when they moved in or they can pay for a cleaner to do an end of tenancy clean.

My cleaner charges just £20 per hour. Carpets are extra, usually £80 - £120 for a full house. I’d replace ovens if they are over five years old (at my expense).

Paddy O'Dawes

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9:48 AM, 19th June 2024, About 6 months ago

From the other side of the fence when I was a tenant what I tended to find in many cases was the agents always wanted a higher standard of cleanliness than on move in. I was tempted on more than one occasion to track previous tenants and see if they had been charged, especially in one case where I was having to scrape congealed chip fat from the kitchen cupboards.
However on the few occasions I was letting direct from a LL I generally found the property cleaner and had no issues on move out. I can't say I ever lost any deposit unless agreed for carpet cleaning (I have cats) but I have had to use photographic evidence to prove my point in more than a few occasions. I also noted that a lot of agencies employ their own cleaners, so call me cynical but maybe this isn't so much a LL problem as an agency opportunism problem.

Reluctant Landlord

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10:06 AM, 19th June 2024, About 6 months ago

problem apparently over over cleaning 'issues'. Either a property is clean as it was to the same level at the start of an AST or it isn't. Nothing to do with wear and tear.
If the cleaning is not as was at the start then the claim is VALID. The degree as to the cost of cleaning is the only point of debate.

And more evidence to show that its best the tenant ALWAYS provides their own appliances too!

NewYorkie

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10:25 AM, 19th June 2024, About 6 months ago

It takes a few minutes to take a video of the condition on letting, to accompany the inventory. If your agent won't do it, do it yourself. The tenant then has no argument about the condition in which they should leave it.

David

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10:47 AM, 19th June 2024, About 6 months ago

Can't have that can we, tenants being charged to clean properties to the same standard they received it . Something the new government will likely address and another cost placed on the landlord.

Paul

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10:47 AM, 19th June 2024, About 6 months ago

I have never had any tenant of mine bother to clean the oven at all during their tenancy. It's always left caked in chicken grease needing a profrossional clean when they leave. There's a huge difference between wear and tear and neglect.

Michael Booth

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13:35 PM, 19th June 2024, About 6 months ago

Simple for tenants leave the property has you foundit take pics and match them to the ones when you leave normal wear and tare isn't your fault , damage is.not rocket science.

David

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13:49 PM, 19th June 2024, About 6 months ago

The answer is an independent inventory and professionally cleaned at the start.If it doesn't match on check out you have independent verification and should not be challenged.
Problem is i think Labour will change all that to please Generation Rent.

Cider Drinker

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19:01 PM, 19th June 2024, About 6 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Paddy O'Dawes at 19/06/2024 - 09:48
The burden of proof lies with the claimant.

I happily accept dogs but I would not be happy to accept cats. I bet your landlord was out of pocket.

Disillusioned Landlord

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0:07 AM, 20th June 2024, About 6 months ago

I wish this section had a picture option, they speak volumes to why over half my tenants did not get their deposits back. In most cases even after keeping it I’ve been well out of pocket. In one case in particular I had to replace every carpet in the house as the tenant let his wet dog have the run of the house - it stunk of dog even after a professional clean. Trust me, you don’t want to know about some of the others, but I’ve spent literally days scrubbing I cleaned houses, how can people live like that?

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