Using Your Evidence

If there is any dispute when you come to leave the property about exactly what condition various things were in when you took possession, simply tell the landlord or agent that you took the precaution of obtaining proof. Do not at any stage either give them the envelope or break the seal, but explain what steps you took to protect your deposit. This will be valuable evidence if you need to go to court or any deposit resolution service over any dispute, and landlords and agents will recognise this very quickly!

What’s more, the total cost is about £5, which isn’t much for the protection – let alone your peace of mind – is it?

Why Bother – Isn’t This New Deposit System Going To Sort Out These Problems?

Even when the new deposit system is up and running, arbitrators or courts will always be looking for documentary proof. It is amazing to me that tenants don’t take more steps to protect themselves. I can’t imagine any other circumstances where intelligent people would hand over hundreds/thousands of pounds to someone they have only known for a matter of minutes, trusting the integrity of a virtual stranger on the basis of a handwritten receipt and an in-house inventory.

By reading this and spending a few minutes once a year when you move, you could ensure that you are not always on the back foot where deposit refunds are concerned. The lettings business isn’t always a nice place filled with reasonable people. It’s a cold commercial concern where people are out to make a profit – from you!

Always remember that those landlords/agents engaging in sharp practice are relying on your lack of knowledge, or forward planning. They cannot exploit well-prepared tenants. Unfair deposit deductions tend to rely on your ignorance or timidity. Nor will any new system work well if neither party has bothered to do anything to show accurately how things were when you first accepted the property. Frankly, you have two choices. Let someone walk away with your hard earned money or do something to protect your own interests. I know what I’d do eight days a week!