With the current university term now come to an end, students will be looking towards the next year with many signing new tenancy agreements but what is the best way to ensure you get your deposit back?
It may be the end of the academic year for universities with students all heading home to enjoy a summer of relaxation and fun but in a matter of weeks new second year students will be moving into their new home outside of halls. And while they will be looking forward to living with their friends, there are many responsibilities that come when renting a private property, most of them financial, so understanding these responsibilities and knowing your rights as a renter are crucial.
One big problems that comes from living in rented accommodation is getting your deposit back at the end of the tenancy, something students often experience. The National Student Accommodation Survey have shared that over 1 in 6 students actually struggle getting their deposit back – a deposit which averages at around £263.
Dan Roberts, an expert and director at Mystudenthalls.com, has shared a few tips and tricks that should help students get their deposit back at the end of the tenancy.
When it comes to where the deposit is actually held, Dan said: “Most student rentals fall under an assured shorthold tenancy (AST), meaning your deposit should be protected by a government-approved Tenancy Deposit Protection (TDP) scheme. These TDP companies keep your deposit safe and ensure your landlord returns what you are owed at the end of your tenancy.
“The landlord or letting agent must place your deposit in the protection scheme within 30 days and inform you where it is held. If your landlord is unfair with returning your deposit, you can challenge them through the TDP operator.”
But when it comes to actually getting your deposit back, what exactly can you do? Dan shared the following tips students should follow throughout their tenancy.
Before you move in
- Check if your landlord is approved by your university – they normally have a list.
- Read your tenancy agreement – Understand your obligations and maybe get someone else to read it over too.
- Ensure your student deposit is protected in one of the previously mentioned schemes.
- Check the inventory when you move in – this will be used as a check list when you move out.
- Take photos of the condition of key items – this covers your back but also keeps a note of what is damaged or scuffed.
During your stay
- Remain friendly with your landlord – there more likely to be lenient if you run into an issue.
- Keep the place reasonably clean and tidy
- Replace anything you lose or break – this will often be cheaper than paying it to the landlord when you move out.
- Report problems with the property promptly
- Keep up with your rent and other bills
When you move out
- Agree a move out date with housemates – this way you can all be present to clean the house.
- Invite your landlord around before you move out – you can find out what they may not be happy with and change before the formal inspection.
- Clean, clean, clean – get the house as spotless as possible, it should be the same as when you moved in.
- Get rid of rubbing – landlords may charge if anything is left behind that wasn’t there before.
- Take photos – this covers your back should you need to raise a dispute.
- Agree on the final inventory and keep a copy.
- Lock up and return all the keys
You won’t get your deposit back straight away but the “landlord should return your deposit within ten days of the tenancy ending, provided the property’s condition is satisfactory. If there are deductions, the landlord must discuss them with you, and you can either accept or challenge them through the TDP operator.”
Unless agreed otherwise amongst you, everyone in the house will be liable for paying any fees out of their deposits. For more information on student accommodation and deposits head to the Mystudenthalls website for more.
