Quarter of renters lose deposits over cleanliness disputes with landlords

A quarter of renters have lost their deposit – because they didn’t leave the property in a clean enough state. Research of 1,000 renters found 24% have previously had a dispute with their landlord over cleanliness before moving out.

Damaged walls, floors, or fixtures (17%); stained carpets or upholstery (14%), and broken items (13%) were among the reasons that led to not getting their money back – averaging a total of £367.89. Eight in ten argued they did a good enough job, but 35% of those who shared the home with someone else put the blame on them.

One in five admitted the lead up to the inspection caused major arguments between them and their housemates, with 29% going several hours without speaking as a result.

The jobs which caused the most friction included cleaning the oven (24%), removing limescale in the bathroom (17%), and making sure the windows were sparkling (14%).

Simon Bond, a spokesperson for Kärcher which commissioned the research, said: “Cleaning is often one of the biggest sources of tension in a shared household, particularly when it comes to moving out and ensuring a property is left in the best possible condition.

“End-of-tenancy cleaning can quickly become a flashpoint for renters, turning what should be an exciting milestone into a stressful and sometimes costly experience.

“Many tenants feel confident they’ve done a good job, but differing expectations around cleanliness can quickly lead to disputes and disappointment, with cleaning responsibilities often becoming a source of tension in the lead-up to moving out.

“A lack of clear standards, combined with last-minute rushes to get everything done, means small issues can escalate into costly consequences.”

When choosing who to live with, 46% considered cleanliness as an important factor and once living together, 28% would always share the cost of cleaning products between each other.

More than a fifth (23%) would make sure good quality cleaning products and equipment were purchased before the final inspection was due, with 56% finding the entire preparation stressful.

It also emerged 42% were surprised by how high the expected standard of cleanliness was at the end of a tenancy – something 30% dubbed ‘unrealistic’.

But thinking ahead, the data also revealed 53% would be willing to pay for a professional clean to help protect their future deposits.

Simon Bond added: “Household chores can quickly become a source of tension, especially when it comes to the finishing touches that are hardest to get right, like ovens, bathrooms and windows.

“Our research shows that many renters feel uncertain about what is expected of them, creating unnecessary stress at a time that’s already busy and demanding.

“With differing views on what ‘clean enough’ looks like, it’s easy to see how disputes can arise.

“The findings suggest that clearer expectations and better preparation could help reduce friction between tenants, landlords and housemates alike, giving people greater confidence as they move on to their next home.”