Many tenancy deposit disputes involve cleaning

The Tenancy Deposit Scheme has published a series of case studies, selected at random, into disputes between landlords and tenants over deposit monies due.

These studies have been undertaken to underline the dual role of tenancy deposit protection that has been a legal requirement since April 2007. It involves both the safeguarding of money and dispute resolution at no cost to the tenants.

More than half of all disputes, 52%, sent to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme involve cleaning. Over a third, 45% are occasioned by damage and in over 25% of all cases by the need for redecoration. Problems over gardening arise in 13% of all disputes, the amount involved tends to be a little more than half the total deposit. The average amount of a deposit covered by the Scheme is £1,079 and the average disputed amount is £601. Using these averages, typically the landlord was awarded £252 and the tenant £256.

This is a very clear indication of impartiality. It also demonstrates how very important it is that all parties understand from the outset what is meant by clean, and by cleaning.

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