There are a variety of issues that can allow a landlord to deduct money from a tenant’s deposit to pay for repairs and cleaning, according to estate agency Romans Lettings.

The firm conducted an independent study to find the most common issues that are cited by landlords when deducting funds from a tenant’s deposit: 

• 29% of tenants have experienced a deduction due to broken chairs, tables, door handles and other items
• 24% of tenants have been penalised due to marks on the walls, which includes finger marks
• 21% of tenants had to compensate for carpet stains
• 12% of tenants have had a deduction for redecorating the property without the landlord’s permission
• 9% of tenants have experienced a deduction for the build-up of mould.

Michael Cook, Romans Lettings managing director, says: “Returning deposits can cause disputes between landlords and tenants, so it is important that a detailed inventory is drawn up at the start and a proper check in and check out process is followed.”