How to get your deposit back in London

1. Check your deposit is protected

• In England, landlords must protect an assured shorthold tenancy deposit in a government-approved scheme (DPS, mydeposits or TDS) within 30 days
• You should have received the scheme details and prescribed information

2. Find your check-in inventory

• Your property should be returned in the same condition as at check-in, allowing for fair wear and tear
• Compare each room with the inventory photos and notes

3. Clean to check-in standard

• Focus on ovens, bathrooms, skirting boards, windows and carpets
• Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 your landlord cannot charge you for a professional clean as a condition of the tenancy, but you must return the property as clean as you received it
• A professional end of tenancy clean with before and after photos gives you evidence of the standard

4. Attend the check-out and keep evidence

• Take dated photos and videos of every room after the clean
• Return all keys and take meter readings

5. If there is a dispute

• Ask for an itemised list of deductions with evidence
• If you cannot agree, the deposit scheme offers a free dispute resolution service

Common questions

Can my landlord make me pay for a professional clean?

In England, the Tenant Fees Act 2019 stops landlords charging for professional cleaning as a condition of the tenancy. They can deduct from the deposit if the property is not returned as clean as it was at check-in.

What is fair wear and tear?

Normal deterioration from everyday living, such as light scuffs or slightly worn carpet. Dirt, grease and limescale are usually not counted as wear and tear.

HappyMop cleans across East, North and Central London. See our end of tenancy, deep cleaning and after builders services, or more guides.