HOW NOT TO END UP IN A DEPOSIT DISPUTE

A landlord since the age of 22,

has learned a thing or two about letting out properties. Here he offers his guide to help you avoid having to foot the bill for damage done by tenants and wall plaster chips are down to negligence and not legacy issues from before the tenancy began. Again, the only way to counteract this argument is to identify these issues in writing from the outset.

For example, why not state in the agreement that minor scuffs and scrapes to the plaster come under “wear and tear”, but if plaster damage is clearly negligent or intentional then a repair cost will be claimed. It’s more effort at the start but will cover you long term. If a tenancy deposit dispute goes to arbitration, you have the burden of proof. That means you must display evidence to support your claims, allowing an independent adjudicator to review everything you present. Looking at it, around 40% of all disputes were adjudicated in the last financial year.