Dilapidations and Deposit Returns 2024

DILAPIDATIONS AND DEPOSIT RETURN

Upon termination of your tenancy your Landlord may submit a damage claim. This is an itemised list of damages the Landlord is claiming compensation for. Legally your Landlord can claim compensation for any damage over and above fair wear and tear, with reference to the appropriate clause in your tenancy agreement. Fair wear and tear differ dependent on the country you are residing in; however, fair wear and tear is a result of reasonable use of the premises by the Tenant. For example, a small scuff in the hallway could be classed as fair wear and tear as this area of the home is a high traffic area; but keep in mind that the same size scuff in the bedroom may not be classed as fair wear and tear as this is not a high traffic area. List of common damages: 1. Picture Hooks 2. Blu Tac / Stickers on walls 3. Stains / Burns on Carpet and Soft Furnishings 4. Cuts on work surfaces 5. Marks to Walls and Woodwork

6. Stains on Furniture 7. Unreported repairs 8. Pet Damage 9. Missing Items 10. Light Bulb Replacement 11. Garden Maintenance 12. Cleaning

1. Picture Hooks You will find that the majority of tenancies state that you may not hang pictures. However, if agreed some landlords allow conventional picture hooks to be used, which are to be left in place at the end of the tenancy, or they can ask for you to repair the wall and put it back to the condition it was when you moved in. You should check your Tenancy Agreement to understand what is acceptable. An example of a picture hook is shown below. Please ensure these are used as opposed to nails, screws or raw plugs which if used, will constitute damage. 2. Blu Tac / Stickers / Sellotape or any adhesive products The use of blu tac, stickers etc cannot be justified and will give rise to a claim in damages. They can be troublesome to remove and will normally leave grease or residue marks which necessitates the need for re painting. Do not use any adhesive products for any reason. 3. Stains / Burns on Carpets and Soft Furnishings If during your tenancy you stain your carpet, or any soft furnishing please try your utmost to eradicate the stain immediately. If left for too long it will stain permanently, and your Landlord will be within his rights to claim for a carpet replacement. Another common claim is for iron burns on carpets. Please avoid ironing on your carpet and use an ironing board. 4. Work Surface Cuts A common claim is the repairing or replacement of work surfaces due to scratches, nicks, gauges etc caused by sharp utensils. In all instances use a chopping board or protective surface when using a knife or any other sharp object.

© 2024 Dwellworks, LLC

DILAPIDATIONS AND DEPOSIT RETURN

5. Marks to Walls and Woodwork When moving items to and from rooms please beware of dragging any items against walls or woodwork. Scuff marks are virtually impossible to repair and therefore need repainting or papering which would result in a claim for the full cost of redecoration. 6. Stains on furniture Surfaces stains are extremely difficult to eradicate without sanding and re-polishing or in the worst case replacing. The most common surface stains are ring marks caused by mugs, plates, pots or candle wax. When using any kitchenware please ensure that the appropriate covering is used such as coasters, placemats or tablecloths. Candle wax on surfaces can be avoided by using suitable candle holders or trays (please ensure that these are fire and heat proof). Another claim which is common is burn marks on surfaces normally caused by pots taken off the stove and put down on the kitchen worktops. Please ensure that when taking a pot off the stove that this is placed on either a trivet or an appropriate heat proof mat. 7. Unreported Repairs Any maintenance or repairs needed throughout your tenancy that are classed as Landlord’s maintenance should be reported to your Landlord or their Agents in writing and without delay. Any issues that are left unreported will become the Tenant’s responsibility and the Landlord is within their rights to claim against the Tenant for any costs involved over and above the actual repair. For example, a leak that is left unreported may cause further damage such as mould in which case the Tenant would also be responsible for the removal of the mould. 8. Pet Damage Pet damage can be the highest non-negotiable claim. If the landlord has allowed you to bring a pet(s) with you and your pet(s) cause damage, you as a Tenant have a very limited chance of being able to negotiate the repair/ replacement costs. Should your pet(s) cause any damage it would be advisable to arrange and pay for the cost of repair before your departure as opposed to having to pay the Landlord’s costs, the sum of which you will have no control. Should you decide not to repair any damage caused by your pet(s) you will be responsible for the Landlord’s cost of repair. 9. Missing Items Throughout your tenancy it is generally understood that when a plate is broken, or a fork goes missing it is classed as ‘fair wear and tear’. However; anything above this would need to be replaced. Usually the majority of tenancies will state that you are responsible for replacing any missing or broken items with a ‘like for like’. We would advise that should you break or lose any items that you try and replace these with a similar article, you can check an items brand by checking the underside of the item in question, if the brand is not evident then check your inventory report which may list the brand. For items such as paintings, ornaments or items of high value it would be advisable to talk to your Landlord or their agents about the replacement before you replace the item in question.

© 2024 Dwellworks, LLC

DILAPIDATIONS AND DEPOSIT RETURN

10. Light Bulbs As a tenant you are responsible for the replacement of any light bulbs unless there is an electrical fault which would then become the Landlords responsibility. During your tenancy please ensure that you replace all light bulbs as and when required. Upon departure from your property you will also be required to replace any light bulbs that are no longer working. Should these not be replaced you will be charged for the replacement of these and you will probably also be charged for the fitting of these by a handyman. We cannot control these costs. Before replacement, ensure you have purchased the right wattage, using a higher wattage than required could result in an electrical failure. If you are unsure, remove the light bulb in question and take this to a DIY store. Normally you will have one of two light bulbs within your property (Bayonet or Screw Cap shown below). Some properties have spotlights which require specialist bulbs, to replace these remove the bulb and take this to a DIY store. 11. Garden This is dependent on the clauses within your tenancy agreement, but generally you will be responsible for the upkeep of the garden and keeping it in seasonal order. This will entail, weeding, sweeping and cleaning of patio or decked areas, maintaining the lawn, clearing up debris or fallen leaves etc. If you insisted an area being pressure washed upon commencement. Please note that you will be responsible for this upon termination. During time of drought or a hose pipe ban you will still be responsible for the watering of all plants and the general up-keep of the garden. We would advise you to ensure you are aware of your gardening responsibilities upon commencement of your tenancy by referring to the Tenant/Landlord obligations within your signed Tenancy Agreement. 12. Cleaning As an occupier, please ensure you understand your responsibilities with regards to the cleaning of home. This includes but, is not limited to the cleaning of; linen, crockery, surfaces, sanitary ware, normal kitchen appliances (such as, kettle, toaster, cooker, fridge) etc. You are responsible for cleaning the majority of items in your home, should you decide to ignore your cleaning responsibilities you may find that you will cause damage to the item which is beyond repair, and you will be held responsible for the replacement of the item. Items that you will need specialist assistance with include but are not limited to: • Curtains (dependent on the material) • Linen (dependent on the material) • Chimneys (You will have to instruct a professional chimney sweeper) Please note your landlord can deduct the costs of professional cleaning of the premises & any damages from the security deposit held by the Landlord. • Windows (where not safely accessible) • Carpets (where specialist instructions need to be adhered to)

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