This is part of a series of guidance about deposits provided for students.

Moving In

The key point at the start of the tenancy is to get a thorough and accurate inventory. Different landlords and letting agents will have different procedures for how this is handled, but there are a few key points that should help you later on.

It’s important that your inventory not only lists what’s in the property, but also the state that everything is in – it may even be referred to as an “Inventory & Schedule of Conditions” to reflect this.

An Essential Document

The inventory agreed at the start of the tenancy will be the key to checking the property at the end of the tenancy, so you should make sure at the start that it is accurate. It is vitally important that any damage to the property that is there at the start is recorded on the inventory to prevent you being charged for it at the end. Things you might want to look out for include:

Stains on carpets.
Marks on walls, including nails and blu-tak marks.
Are all panes of glass intact? Any chips or cracks should be recorded on the inventory. (In most cases the landlord should probably repair them promptly)
Colours that walls are painted should be recorded. If you want to change them during the tenancy, get written permission to do so before you start.
Any junk stored in cupboards should be noted, so you are not charged for its removal at the end of the tenancy. Again, you may be able to get your landlord to get rid of this at the start, making extra storage space available for your use.

Details, Details

The best inventories will provide plenty of information about the condition – simply stating that a carpet is dirty doesn’t say much – does it just need vacuuming clean, or is there a big red wine stain across the middle? If this isn’t clarified at the start it could lead to disputes over just how dirty is “dirty” later on.

If there are any particular areas that you think might cause an issue at the end of the tenancy, consider taking photographs, setting your camera to add an automated ‘date stamp’ if possible. Digital photographs can be a particularly good way of doing this, since you could email them to the landlord at the start of the tenancy (and keep a record of that email). Another option would be to get the landlord to sign and date the back of your photos, to agree to the condition at the start.

Outside Too

Your inventory should also detail the condition of the exterior of the property, particularly any garden areas. This is particularly important if your tenancy agreement makes you responsible for maintaining the gardens.

Since the time of year has a big effect on gardens, inventories will often describe them in terms of whether they are “in good seasonal order”. If there are any paved pathways or similar you may want to note if there are lots of weeds growing up between the slabs. If they are free from weeds at the start, you should return them in that state at the end.

Act Quickly

The inventory should be agreed as soon as possible at the start of the tenancy, to prevent any disputes over whether the tenants have caused the damage early on in the tenancy. Often an agent will provide an inventory when you pick up your keys and allow you seven days to return it with any amendments. If a reasonable deadline like this is stated, make sure you follow it.

Summary

A thorough and accurate inventory will be your best friend when you come to move out and collect your deposit back.
Any damage to the property or furniture should be noted, with details. Consider taking photos.
Don’t forget outside areas, like gardens.
Make sure you check any inventory your landlord / agent provides as soon as possible when you move in, and definitely within any deadline they set for amendments.

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This information is provided for general guidance only, and should not be considered to be definitive or legally binding in respect of any specific situation. If you have a specific query, you should contact your Student Advice Centre, or a Citizens’ Advice Bureau.

This guide is copyright LetsUni, and may not be reproduced without prior written permission.