How to Make Your Landlord to Return Your Deposit

When moving house in Hounslow it’s easy to think solely about your new place. Your focus will most likely be on packing, unpacking, removal vans, timing, bills, change of address...thinking about the place you’re leaving often falls by the wayside. It’s important to remember that you are contractually obligated to leave your current property in a certain state, and though this is perhaps one of the most tedious parts of moving house, it’s imperative that you take the necessary steps to make sure your landlord will return your deposit without too much hassle!

-    Firstly, survey the house yourself. If you’re aware of any small damages to the property then try to fix them yourself. It may be worth re-painting or decorating certain rooms to ensure they are to a high-quality standard. If you are going to rectify any problems yourself, check with the landlord first! They may already be planning to renovate when you leave, so it may not be worth the time, effort and money.

-    Be aware of what’s in your contract as it’s important to leave your home in Hounslow, TW3 in the state you found it in. This sounds simple enough, but if you’ve lived with pets or children it’s important to remain aware of any damages made or areas that are unclean. You may think it’s a good idea to hire professional cleaners to restore your home to its original glory, yet this could be overstepping the mark. Though it’s important to leave your home in good condition, you don’t want to waste money trying to get the property in better condition than it was when you first rented it! Speak to your landlord about specifics such as whether or not you need to clean the windows etc. Confirming what needs to be cleaned with your landlord makes it harder for them to fault you when it comes to returning your deposit!

-    It’s sometimes easy to forget to clean the little places, especially if you’re new to the process of renting properties. It sounds obvious, but the kitchen appliances should be as clean as possible, as should any bathroom fittings. Make sure all bins are empty and all cupboards, drawers and wardrobes are clear. Take your time moving furniture to look for items that may have gotten lost – you might find something of importance!

-    If you suspect your landlord might have some problems with the condition in which you are leaving the property in the TW3 area, ask to be present whilst they inspect it. This gives you the opportunity for last-minute cleaning and also allows you to discuss any damages and the costs of such with your landlord.

-    Make sure you can provide everything that is requested of you in your contract. When moving out you should be able to return all keys and their copies to the landlord, as well as provide any other information that your landlord may have requested. It is worth having copies of your address in Hounslow to hand as well, so you are immediately contactable about deposits etc. Some landlords may also require proof of bill payments, such as an up-to-date confirmation of paid council tax. Try to have copies of these with you when you meet to drop-off your keys. If you aren’t sure what your landlord might require, get in contact and ask. This will save you both time in the long-run, so you can get busy moving to your new place!