Cleaning is the most common cause of deposit disputes, and has reached its highest level since the start of the tenancy deposits scheme according to the Tenant Deposit Scheme (TDS).

Disputes relating to cleaning have risen to 56% in 2013 from 46% in 2010. Damage to property makes up the second most cause of disputes (43%), followed by redecoration (30%), rent arrears (17%) and gardening (13%). 

Commenting on the survey results, Pat Barber, Chair of the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC), said: “Time and time again, landlords and agents are increasingly faced with dirty properties at the tenant check-out stage. We have seen many properties left in a filthy state (by tenants).

“The main problems are dirty ovens and fridges; stains and marks on carpeting and flooring; bathrooms which have not been cleaned for months; and pet hair and excrement on floors, furniture and soft furnishings.”

The new research also shows that 55% of disputes came from tenants, with 21% receiving 100% of the amount in dispute, whilst 45% of disputes came from landlords and agents, yet only 19% received 100% of the amount in dispute.

Barber said: “We often find that tenants are shocked to realise that professional cleaning can cost anything from £10 - £20 per hour depending on the area and type of work required. Some tenants claim that cleaning issues are just normal wear & tear. The simple answer is that if an area or item was clean at check in it should be left clean at check out. It something can be cleaned then it should be. If any dust or crumbs are present then this is clearly not clean.

“It’s vital that landlords and agents do a thorough check-in and check-out, so they have the right proof of condition at the start and end of a new tenancy agreement. At the check-out stage, the tenant should be made aware of the areas requiring cleaning and the potential cost involved.”

AIIC has put together the most common cleaning problems at check-out:

• Ovens
• Stained and marked carpets
• Heavy lime scale to kitchen and bathroom fittings
• Grease deposits throughout the kitchen
• Thick dust & cobwebs