10 Tips For Getting Your Tenancy Deposit Back

Moving out of a rental property can be stressful, but getting your deposit back doesn’t have to be. Whether you're heading to a new place or just wrapping up your lease, it's essential to leave your current home in great shape. To help you avoid any nasty surprises and keep your finances intact, we've pulled together 10 essential tips every tenant should know.

This isn't a complete checklist, but it's a solid starting point to guide you through the process and help you stay on your landlord’s good side. From cleaning hacks to documentation advice, these tips will make your move-out smoother—and your bank account happier.

Ready to make sure your deposit comes back to you where it belongs? Let’s dive in.

1. Initiate Preparations Early

Leaving things to the last minute is one of the most common pitfalls tenants face when moving out—and it can cost you. To give yourself the best chance of a full deposit return, start your preparations early, ideally 4 to 6 weeks before your tenancy ends. This timeframe gives you the breathing room to handle cleaning, repairs, and any replacements without feeling rushed.

Early planning also puts you in a stronger position to deal with unexpected issues, such as wear and tear you didn’t notice before, or delays in getting professional help if needed. It allows time to thoroughly review your tenancy agreement, understand your responsibilities, and open a clear line of communication with your landlord or letting agent.

Create a simple checklist or timeline of what needs to be done and when—like booking cleaners, touching up paint, or reviewing the inventory. Setting calendar reminders can help keep you on track. The earlier you start, the more likely you are to leave the property in top shape—and avoid unnecessary deductions from your deposit.

2. Review Your Tenancy Agreement Thoroughly

Your tenancy agreement isn’t just paperwork—it’s a legally binding document that outlines your responsibilities as a tenant and sets the standard for how you should leave the property when moving out. Think of it as your rulebook for deposit return. Before you start packing, take the time to carefully reread the agreement, ideally several weeks before your move-out date.

Pay special attention to sections that cover cleaning expectations, whether professional cleaning is required, and what level of wear and tear is considered acceptable. Some agreements may also specify that you need to return the property in the same condition it was in at the start of your tenancy (minus fair wear and tear), or that you’re responsible for replacing missing items or repairing damage, even minor.

Check for details on things like:

• Whether picture hooks or wall-mounted fixtures must be removed and walls repaired
• If carpets need to be professionally cleaned
• Whether garden maintenance is your responsibility
• What to do with leftover furniture or belongings

If any part of the agreement is unclear, don’t guess—reach out to your landlord or letting agent for clarification. Being proactive about understanding your obligations can help you avoid disputes and ensure there are no surprises when it comes to your deposit return.

3. Examine the Inventory Report

The inventory report is one of the most important tools at your disposal when it comes to protecting your tenancy deposit. This document—often compiled at the start of your tenancy—records the condition and contents of the property, room by room. It serves as a baseline for comparison when you move out, helping to determine what, if anything, has changed or deteriorated during your stay.

Before you begin any end-of-tenancy cleaning or repairs, take the time to review the inventory report in detail. Check for existing marks, stains, damages, or missing items that were already noted when you moved in. If you notice discrepancies—such as wear or damage that wasn’t caused by you—document them with clear, date-stamped photographs or videos. This visual evidence can be invaluable if your landlord later raises disputes about the property's condition.

If you weren’t given an inventory report at the start of your tenancy, or it was incomplete, it’s even more important to create your own documentation before leaving. Walk through the property and record the current condition of walls, floors, appliances, furnishings, and fixtures. If possible, compare your documentation directly with the original inventory and flag any inconsistencies with your landlord or letting agent early on.

There’s a great article called ‘A tenant's guide to inventories 2019’ by HomeLet - it’s a helpful resource that breaks down everything tenants need to know to avoid unfair deductions.

Being meticulous here not only strengthens your case in the event of a dispute but also shows that you’ve taken your responsibilities seriously—something landlords appreciate.

4. Understand 'Fair Wear and Tear'

Landlords can deduct costs from your deposit only for damages that go beyond what’s considered ‘fair wear and tear’—the natural deterioration expected through normal use. For instance, minor marks on walls or slight carpet wear due to regular use are usually acceptable, whereas larger stains, broken fixtures, or significant damage are typically chargeable. Familiarise yourself with guidelines from tenancy deposit schemes or authoritative housing resources to clearly understand this distinction, empowering you to argue your case effectively if needed.

For instance, worn carpets over several years may be acceptable, whereas burns or stains might not be. Refer to guidelines from the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) for clarity. TDS defines it as: 'Fair wear and tear can be defined as the level of deterioration that a landlord might reasonably expect a tenant to cause through their everyday normal use of the property over the period of the tenancy.' in their useful: 'A guide to check-in/out reports, inventories, and schedules of condition.'

The House of Lords defines fair wear and tear as: ‘Reasonable use of the premises by the tenant and the ordinary operation of natural forces’.

The application of the phrase ‘fair wear and tear’ will depend on the evidence you provide to your landlord, letting agent and the deposit protection agency. Keep in mind the variables listed above and have the evidence to back any claims up.

For extra reading there’s a good article ‘Fair wear and tear: assessing damage to your rented property’ from Net Lawman.

5. Report Any Damages Promptly

Accidents happen—whether it’s a cracked tile, a scuffed wall, or a broken appliance. What matters most is how you respond. Promptly reporting any damage or maintenance issues to your landlord or letting agent is not just responsible—it’s often required under your tenancy agreement and can make a big difference when it comes to protecting your deposit.

As soon as an issue arises, document it thoroughly with clear photos and a written explanation of what happened. Send this information to your landlord or agency via email or another written format so there’s a clear paper trail. Avoid leaving problems unaddressed until the end of your tenancy, as that can raise suspicions or make matters worse over time.

If the damage is minor, such as a broken blind or a loose door handle, you can offer to arrange and pay for the repair—with the landlord’s written consent. Taking this proactive approach shows that you’re a responsible tenant and often reduces the likelihood of a formal dispute when it’s time to return your deposit.

Even if the damage seems small or accidental, being transparent builds trust and may even encourage your landlord to be more lenient or cooperative during the move-out process. In short, honest communication and timely action can help you avoid bigger problems down the line—and keep more of your deposit in your pocket.

6. Dispose of All Rubbish

One of the most common and avoidable reasons for deposit deductions is leaving rubbish or unwanted items behind when you move out. Landlords can—and often do—charge tenants for the cost of removing leftover belongings, which can include anything from bin bags and broken furniture to forgotten items in sheds, garages, gardens, or even loft spaces.

To avoid these unnecessary deductions, make sure that the entire property is cleared out completely before your final inspection. This means not only removing obvious household waste but also checking hidden or less-frequented areas, such as cupboards, under beds, outdoor storage, and attic spaces. Don’t forget to empty bins, clean out the fridge and freezer, and dispose of perishable items—these are often overlooked.

If you have large items like old furniture, mattresses, or electronics that can’t be left behind or binned, look into your local council’s bulky waste collection service or hire a licensed rubbish removal company. Make sure to book these services well in advance, as availability can be limited, especially at the end of the month when many people move.

It’s a good idea to keep receipts or take photos as proof that you've disposed of everything properly—this can be helpful if there’s ever a dispute about the condition of the property.

By clearing the space fully and responsibly, you’re not only respecting your landlord’s property—you’re also making it far more likely that your full deposit will be returned without issue.

7. Conduct a Thorough Cleaning

Cleaning is one of the top reasons tenants lose a portion of their deposit. Even if you’ve taken good care of the property, failing to meet the cleaning standards outlined in your tenancy agreement can result in costly deductions. That’s why it’s essential to conduct a thorough, top-to-bottom clean before handing the property back.

MyDeposits state in their document ‘Rules of Claiming for Deposit Deductions’ "The tenant is only obliged to return the property to the same standard it was in at the start". Remember that cleanliness and condition are two different things. ‘Condition’ will be covered in the inventory.

Start with high-traffic areas such as the kitchen and bathrooms, which typically require the most attention. Clean all appliances inside and out—including the oven, hob, extractor fan, microwave, and fridge/freezer (which should be defrosted and switched off). Scrub tiles, sinks, taps, toilets, and any limescale or mould buildup.

Don’t forget the easily missed details: wipe down cupboards (inside and out), skirting boards, window sills, light switches, and door handles. Vacuum and clean all carpets, mop hard floors, and wash windows. If you have outdoor space, give that a tidy as well.

While you can do the cleaning yourself, many tenancy agreements specifically require professional cleaning, especially if it was professionally cleaned before you moved in. Hiring a reputable cleaning service ensures the property meets these standards, and can save you the stress of doing it all yourself. Always retain a dated invoice or receipt from the cleaning company as proof—this is crucial if any cleaning-related dispute arises with your landlord or letting agent.

Ultimately, presenting the property in a spotless condition shows respect and responsibility, and goes a long way toward securing the full return of your deposit.

8. Record Final Meter Readings

One often-overlooked step in the move-out process is recording final meter readings for your gas, electricity, and water. Failing to do so can lead to incorrect billing, causing complications that may linger even after you’ve moved out, potentially affecting your deposit return. To avoid this, it’s crucial to take accurate readings from all meters—gas, electricity, and water—on your last day at the property, ideally just before you hand over the keys.

When recording the readings, note the date and time on which they were taken. This information is key because it ensures your utility providers know exactly when to end your account, preventing any confusion over usage after you’ve vacated the premises. Once you’ve recorded the readings, submit them promptly to your utility companies, either through their online systems, by email, or over the phone. Be clear and concise in your communication, providing all the necessary details, including the meter readings, your final moving-out date, and any other relevant information.

Keeping copies of all correspondence with utility providers—such as emails, confirmation messages, or screenshots—is important in case there are any future disputes over your final bills. Additionally, make sure to retain your final utility bills as proof that you’ve settled your accounts in full before leaving the property.

Taking this step ensures that you’re not charged for energy or water you didn’t use, which could cause unnecessary deductions or conflicts with your landlord. It also helps demonstrate that you’ve taken the responsibility of leaving the property in a financially tidy state, which can only work in your favor when it comes to your deposit return.

9. Attend the Check-Out Inspection

The check-out inspection is a critical part of the move-out process and can directly influence whether you receive your full deposit back. Whenever possible, make sure to attend the final inspection conducted by your landlord or letting agent. Being physically present during this inspection gives you the opportunity to resolve any potential disputes or questions about the condition of the property right then and there, preventing surprises after you’ve already left.

Having a face-to-face discussion allows you to immediately address any concerns or discrepancies that may arise. If the landlord or agent points out damages or cleanliness issues that you don’t agree with, you can calmly present evidence to support your position, such as your inventory report, photos of the property when you moved in and moved out, and receipts for professional cleaning services. This helps clear up misunderstandings on the spot and shows that you’ve made a genuine effort to leave the property in good condition.

If the landlord suggests that certain repairs or cleaning tasks are required, ask for specific details and the opportunity to address them before they take any action. This proactive approach can often save you from unnecessary deductions or charges. Additionally, it gives you the chance to clarify any areas that may have been overlooked or misinterpreted during the inspection.

If the landlord or letting agent is unwilling to resolve any disputes on the spot, ask for a written report of the inspection and any claims they make. This will help you if you need to escalate the situation or refer to your evidence later on.

Ultimately, attending the check-out inspection allows you to maintain an active role in ensuring that the property is assessed fairly. It also leaves a positive impression with your landlord, which can make them more likely to return your deposit in full and even provide a good reference in the future.

10. Leave a Review

Once your tenancy concludes, consider providing a fair and honest review on platforms such as Marks Out Of Tenancy. Sharing your experience, positive or negative, contributes valuable insights for future tenants, promotes transparency within the rental market, and encourages landlords to uphold fair practices. This step, while voluntary, fosters accountability and can even indirectly support your position in case of a dispute.

We've got a more in-depth guide on how to get your full rental deposit back if you need some extra help.