Is there a possibility to know which one of these landlords understands the use of their property and its depreciation value with age? Well, I don’t think it’s worth the stress finding out which landlord is understanding or which is not. So, if you desire to have your tenancy deposit refunded, there is need to return the property in the best way possible as it was let out and just in case, get some evidence.
1. Keep check in records.
Just with time, it’s likely you will forget the status of the property when you moved in. It is very important that the wears and tears on the property like wall stains (scuff marks) before moving in are documented and signed by you and the property owner as fast as possible. With this, you won’t be charged for any existing property wears and tears when your tenancy period ends. also, keeping check-in records will help save many issues about electricity, waste disposal, if any surfaces need special cleaning and more.
2. Taking photographs.
It will be amazing that your camera is a strong a weapon when issues arises. While moving in or out, make sure to photograph the each you as you meet it or left it. In case any issue comes up, the photograph indeed can never be wrong unless it’s showing entirely another property. It’s also advisable to take dated photographs or labeled photographs immediately as you arrive at this property and never forget to send them along with the check in records. Keep your own copies, too.
3. Invite the property owner and walk him around.
While moving in, it’s sure your landlord will walk you around the property for inspection and records before signing the agreement documents. Still, it’s very important to ask the landlord around and walk him through the property both interior and exterior to attest the status of the property before finally moving out and if possible, he may come around with a potential tenant wishing to take the property over from you if there is already one. The landlord can use this as an opportunity to point out anything he is not OK with regarding the property status and you settle it the best way to avoid issues with your deposit refund. Use the check-in record as a guide. Interestingly, the potential tenant could act as a witness to this inspection.
4. End of tenancy cleaning.
At the most, this is where major issues arise and everything we have said this far all has a link to this. Interesting to know that over 55% of deposit issues comes from non-satisfactory cleaning by the tenant. Landlords often use this as opportunity to withhold your deposit and you have to be very careful how this is done. To be sure of your deposit refund, it’s advisable to contact an end of tenancy cleaning company for their service if you don’t have enough time left to do it or it appears too stressful for you. However you chose to do this, either cleaning yourself or requiring the service of professional end of tenancy cleaning company is your choice and not the landlords’. The landlord can’t force you to use a particular cleaning company for the cleaning. It is good to let him know however you wish to do your cleaning, but know this well that it’s solely your decision. If you chose to do it yourself, this simple steps should guide your alongside your check-in records.
5. Remember the hidden areas.
This is especially important if you chose to do your cleaning yourself. It is very easy to become used to your environment and never noticing areas where dirt could accumulate but the landlord will be sure to notice these areas on inspection. To ensure you do this to its best, it’s helpful to assume it’s your first time in the environments and you’re making sure it’s safe for your habitation, so you have to make sure you look around properly. Asking friends for help might be of great help while they act as the landlord passing judgment on your work if it’s satisfactory or not. Ask them to be fair and serious enough because it will be of great help. Inspect where normally you hardly look like on top the refrigerator, the top corners of the room, etc. Check and unblock all plugholes.
7. Be paranoid.
Just because your landlord seems nice to you or often compliment you on how great you keep this property, doesn’t mean they will keep that nice manly attitude at the end of the year of your tenancy period. If perhaps you are renting for the first time, ask those who have had such experience and they will have much to tell you about this.
8. Don’t forget the tenancy dispute service.
No matter how smart or careful you may be, chances may have it that issues arise. There could always be broken promises and a huge sum of completely illegal charges on the deposits at the end of the rental period or end of tenancy is demanded. No matter how right you are, there might be a need to settle issues with tenancy dispute service and both will be asked to submit all evidences at the moment. Remember, keeping records becomes very useful here and you certainly will be able to claim all your deposits back if evidences are in your favor. Featured photo credit: javavida.com via cheapestironing.co.uk
