Can I be charged more than my deposit?

Yes. A landlord can ask for extra money to cover the cost of damages greater than the security deposit. Landlords may need to take legal action to recover extra money.

Can a landlord keep my deposit for wear and tear?

Your landlord can’t take money from your deposit for ‘reasonable wear and tear’ – this means things that would gradually get worse or need replacing over time, for example paintwork, or a piece of furniture.

Can landlord charge for cleaning oven?

If the oven was brand new, or had been professionally cleaned prior to your tenancy beginning, they can expect it to be cleaned to the same standard. Unfortunately, this blog doesn’t have a happy ending; if the oven is not cleaned then the landlord can charge you.

What can landlords not charge for?

Letting agents will no longer be able to charge tenants for fees sourced by third parties, such as for reference checks, credit checks, insurance policies, gardening services or guarantor requests. Any costs associated with these will have to be paid by the landlord.

Can a landlord claim for cleaning?

Landlords can claim money for cleaning from the tenancy deposit under certain circumstances. In fact, whilst cleaning standards can be subjective, it is the most common claim made by a landlord for a deduction from the deposit.

What does end of tenancy cleaning include?

Cobweb removal, carpet vacuum, general dusting, skirting board cleaning, sills and window frame sanitising, hard floor surface vacuum and mop, doors/frames cleaning, light fittings, switches and bulbs cleaned, walls cleaned (fingerprints and marks removed).

Can you sue a tenant for damages after you release the deposit?

In an ideal world, you would notice damages before releasing the security deposit so that you could recoup them immediately. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. While you can still sue a tenant for damages after they move off of your property and you release the security deposit, there is a limit to how long you can wait to do so.

What happens if damages exceed your security deposit?

If the damages exceed your security deposit, your landlord might have two options, depending on your state’s landlord and tenant laws. First, they could sue you. Second, they could send you an itemized bill for the repairs. This is where things get tricky. If it’s a lawsuit, you won’t always get sued right away.

Can a landlord make a tenant pay for damage to an apartment?

Damage to an apartment, for example, is often a situation where a landlord can make a tenant pay for repairs or withhold security deposits when tenants leave.

Can you withhold a security deposit for damages to a rental property?

If the tenant or their guests caused substantial damage to your property, you’ll need to make an itemized list before you can withhold the security deposit. You’re able to use the security deposit toward any repairs as long as you document proof of damages. Take clear photos and write down anything you see that will cost you in repair work.