It would be best to let both tenants and landlords know that tenant security deposits are created to offer them protection. Some people may argue that it is quite a complex case, but the truth is, with a bit of understanding, it is as simple as ever.
However, it is best to research the matter because it will give you insight into tenancy deposits, among others. Moreover, it will undoubtedly be helpful or come in handy, if not now, in the future, especially if you are having tenancy deposit disputes with your landlord. Did they not protect the tenancy deposit on time? That is okay. You can file a tenancy deposit claim. Read on to find out about tenancy deposit claims and more.
What Does A Tenancy Deposit Cover?
When you move out to a new home, you must pay your landlord the tenancy deposit. It covers the following, unpaid utility bills, damaged property and cleaning.
What Could It Be Kept for?
Landlords can only keep the money if you have caused them any financial losses. However, they must tell you why they have made any deductions whatsoever.
These reasons should be very reasonable, and they should make a point of bringing the evidence. Please disagree with their claims without a reason to believe that you caused them financial losses. Remember, the deposit is your hard-earned money.
Also, keep in mind that you can challenge their claims if deemed unreasonable, for example, if they deduct cash because you have a pet. The following are the reasonable deductions you should know about:
Unpaid Rent
Failure to pay rent is reason enough for the landlord to make deductions, which shouldn’t come as a surprise. If the rent arrears they claim you owe them is absurd, ensure that you show them proof of the rent you have been paying. Feel free to use bank and benefit schemes, a rent book or emails.
If You Lost Some Items
To be safe, ensure that you do not get rid of anything from the landlord’s property without their permission; otherwise, it will cost you. Even if you no longer use them or break them, store them safely. This is because they can deduct the amount of those items from your deposit as they hold you liable.
However, the cost to be deducted should not be ridiculous. If anything, they should consider its condition, among other factors. Also, consider researching their prices to ensure that they are not extorting you.
Property Damage
If you cause any property damage, ascertain that you will have to account for your actions; it is only fair. Please enquire about the price they will deduct and let it make sense.
The age of the item damaged should be considered and its state. If it is old or new, you should pay accordingly. Also, consider getting your quotations for the items.
When it comes to wear and tear, you should know that you should not account for the damage because it is natural and has to take its course.
When to Make A Claim Against Your Landlord
You are eligible to make a claim when they fail to put your deposit in a tenancy protection scheme in 30 days. Moreover, you can claim for 1 to 3 your deposited money or a full refund.
Besides that, when your landlord fails to comply with tenancy deposit protection rules. The latter may include not placing your deposit in a protection scheme or failing to give you information about your tenancy deposit protection scheme.
In addition, when they do not return your tenancy deposit either in part or whole after consecutively paying for years.
Types of Evidence to Submit When There is A Tenancy Security Deposit Dispute
Invoices or Receipts
When you notice that your landlord is deducting so much money from your tenant deposit for things like cleaning, check out companies doing the same thing, from there, make enquiries about their prices and if they are lower, serve this in court.
It will undoubtedly lower the initial amount you were to pay and, on top of that, may be used to reject the landlord’s claim.
Inventory or Check-In or Out Reports
The judge renders this document factual; therefore, ensure that you tell them if there is a deposit deduction claim that is unclear. The chances are high that it will be dismissed.
Also, if you notice the check-out report was done many days after your tenancy with your landlord came to an end, inform the judge. Please ensure that you point that out well since it will show them that the property’s state was not as you left it. Who knows? You could also get this claim for deposit deduction dismissed.
Proof of Rent Payment
Your landlord could tell you that you failed to pay rent a couple of times and, for this reason, deduct some amount from your tenancy deposit. However, if you beg to differ because you always pay rent, look at your bank statements keenly.
You can even go the extra mile of marking the payments made with a conspicuous coloured pen to make it easier for the judge to see. Note that you can also use receipts in place of bank statements. Also, if your letting agent or landlord fails to make a mention of the rent arrears they claim you have after some time, bring this to the adjudicator’s attention. It will make them seem like they are lying and your submission true.
The above shows things you need to know about tenancy deposit claims and more. If you enter a dispute with your landlord about your tenancy deposit, remember you can always go to court. You don’t have to allow them to manipulate you and make unreasonable deductions to your tenancy deposit for their financial gain.
In any case, it is not fair. Please remember to keep your receipts among other tenancy forms safely; throwing them is not a good idea. Also, consider that a reasonable deduction may be made to your deposit. In such a case, they are valid, and you shouldn’t file a claim for tenancy deposit compensation as the truth will come out.