What happens if the tenant causes damage or accrues rent arrears?
If the tenant causes damage to the property, the landlord may be able to retain some or all of the deposit. If a claim is made, it must be done within 28 days of the tenant vacating the property and must be made before any work is completed. Once the tenants have vacated the property, the landlord needs to provide the council with a copy of the final inspection which the landlord and tenant have both signed. If necessary a council officer will complete an inspection of the property with the original inventory. Estimates for the work will need to be provided with the copy of the final inspection. If work has been completed before the final inspection, any claim will automatically be invalid. The deposit will not be able to be retained for general wear and tear. If you wish to retain some or all of the deposit for rent arrears, you will be required to provide a detailed rent statement.
