Check your original inventory report, if the property has been professionally cleaned at check-in you will be obligated to ensure that it is returned in the same condition. You will find this information in our reports, within the Schedule of Condition. A professional cleaner should offer you a "clean guarantee" so that you are indemnified against additional costs. It can often be important to arrange this with your landlord or agent to ensure access arrangements can be made.

You will need to ensure that you have returned the property back to the condition it was handed over. This will mean ensuring any fixtures and fitting which have been added are removed, holes filled and decorative order made good. A large proportion of claims are made for excess wear and tear to walls, where possible speak with your landlord or agent prior to check out if you are concerned about these charges arising, it may be possible for you to paint the property. Always remember you must paint to the standard the property was handed over in, excess paint residue can often cause additional cost. 

We will inspect and photograph each area of the property so a complete comparison report can be made against the original inventory. If you have had your original inventory carried out by ourselves then please refer to this documents as a guide for the comparison, as you will need to ensure that each area of the property is returned as photographed, this will include returning/replacing furnishings to their original locations. 

When considering claims there are 2 main aspects. Wear & tear can often be disputed, however the deposit holding companies often offer clear guidance, so we advise that you review all information available.

In order to assess whether wear and tear is excessive, it's essential that the expected "lifespan" of a product is evaluated. For example, paintwork in a rental property can be expected to last 3-5 years. Therefore, when a property is freshly painted if there has been a tenancy of 2 years and the property requires decoration at the end of the term, the claim would be for the remaining "lifespan" of 3 years. If the cost was £1000 this would depreciate at £200 per year leaving a claim of £600.