In this case study, we explore a tenancy spanning 4 years and 3 months in a part-furnished 2-bedroom apartment in Central London. The property had a security deposit of £1,700, which was expected to cover any damages or dilapidations beyond fair wear and tear.
Longer tenancies often present unique challenges when assessing damage, cleaning, and redecoration. While many issues can fall under fair wear and tear, this case highlights that claims on tenancy deposits are sometimes unavoidable and justified.
Our executive checkout team carefully evaluated the evidence and determined that the landlord was entitled to £2,135 of the deposit. Here’s how the suggested costs were broken down:
Suggested Cost Breakdown
- Cleaning Issues: £350
- Décor Issues: £620
- Damage and Repairs: £970
- Total: £2,135
- Time Saved for Agent/Landlord: Approximately 3 hours
Cleaning Issues: £350
Overview
The property was left in a poor state of cleanliness, far below the professional standard recorded at check-in. The checkout report identified several areas requiring intensive cleaning, beyond what would be covered in a standard cleaning cost and would require an additional cleaning quote as a result. Specific issues were documented with photographs to provide clear evidence.
Maintaining a clean property is a tenant’s responsibility under most tenancy agreements. Professional cleaning not only restores the property to its original condition but also helps landlords prepare it for new tenants, preventing delays in re-letting.
Why this was deemed a tenant cost
The property was professionally cleaned at check-in, and the deterioration was clearly documented in the independent check-out report. The evidence provided ensured that this charge would hold up in arbitration, as the cleaning issues were specific and supported by photographs.
Décor Issues: £620
Overview
While the décor showed signs of age after a relatively long tenancy, this tenancy posed unique challenges. Three rooms had been wallpapered in black by the tenants, a significant alteration from the original magnolia painted walls. Preparing the walls for redecoration required the removal of wallpaper and surface preparation
Additional issues included chips, dents, and wall fixtures installed without permission. These contributed to the total redecoration costs.
Why this was deemed a tenant cost
Although the décor had exceeded its expected lifespan, the wallpapering and additional damage directly increased redecoration costs. These were costs the landlord would not have faced if the walls had been left in their original condition. The suggested cost reflected the extra preparation needed for redecoration, while factoring in fair wear and tear.
Damage and Repairs: £970
Overview
Several damaged items were identified, including snapped window handles, heavily worn flooring, and a missing door frame. Each issue was assessed against the check-in report and tenancy length to determine fair costs.
Why this was deemed a tenant cost
The damages exceeded fair wear and tear, even for a long tenancy. By comparing the check-in condition to the checkout findings, it was evident that these damages were caused during the tenancy. The suggested cost was carefully calculated to ensure it was reasonable and proportionate.
Concluding Points: Key Takeaways from This Case Study
This case serves as a reminder that even with long tenancies, landlords may be entitled to compensation for cleaning, décor, and damage-related issues. Here are the key takeaways:
- Cleaning is never considered fair wear and tear. Tenants must return the property in the same standard of cleanliness recorded at check-in.
- Decor lifespan doesn’t negate tenant liability. Even if the décor’s lifespan has expired, additional damages or alterations (e.g., wallpapering) can incur costs.
- Evidence is key to arbitration success. Photographic evidence and detailed reports ensure charges are fair and defensible.
How Could the Landlord or Agent Have Prevented Some of These Issues?
Regular mid-term inspections could have identified the deteriorating living conditions sooner. By addressing these issues during the tenancy, the landlord might have avoided some of the costs incurred at checkout.
How Did Having an Executive Report Help This End of Tenancy Situation?
This case highlights the value of having an experienced third party manage the checkout process. Our executive service ensured:
- Thorough Documentation: Detailed reports and photographs to support all claims.
- Fair Suggested Costs: Accurate calculations that balanced tenant and landlord interests.
- Time Savings: The landlord and agent saved approximately 3 hours by delegating this process to experts.
Without the executive report, the landlord might have missed valid claims or struggled with disputes over suggested costs.
Are You Facing Challenges with End-of-Tenancy Deposits?
Our executive checkout service helps landlords and agents navigate complex tenancy ends with confidence. With detailed reports and expert recommendations, we ensure fair deposit claims while saving you time and hassle.
To learn more about this service and how your agency could start utilising these reports head over to our executive check-out report service page today.
