Deposit dispute? Get the deductions right, and the evidence to back them
Fair deductions, negotiated with the tenant, and your evidence ready for the scheme.
- Keeping landlords safe since 1990
- Wimbledon office, 45 Quicks Road
- Every step checked by a person
- Fixed price, shown before you pay
Why it matters
The deposit scheme's dispute service is free, but it decides on paperwork alone, and landlords lose most often on evidence, not on the facts. Claims for fair wear and tear, missing dated photos or a weak check-out report are where cases fall down. We look at what you have, tell you honestly what is likely to stand up, negotiate with the tenant, and if it goes to the scheme, prepare and submit the evidence properly.
What you get
- A review of the tenancy agreement, check-in and check-out reports, photos and invoices
- Fair deductions worked out, allowing for wear and tear and the length of the tenancy
- Negotiation with the tenant, in writing
- If it goes to the scheme: your evidence prepared and submitted
- An honest view of what is likely to succeed, before you spend time on it
Not included
- A check-out report if you don't have one, which we can quote for separately
- Court claims for amounts above the deposit
How it works
- 1
Pay and send us what you have
The deposit amount, the scheme, and your check-in and check-out reports.
- 2
We review the evidence
We tell you which deductions are fair and likely to stand up.
- 3
We negotiate
We put the deductions to the tenant clearly and try to agree them.
- 4
Or we prepare your case
If it goes to the scheme, we prepare and submit the evidence for you.
Common questions
Isn't the deposit scheme's dispute service free?
Yes, but it decides on the written evidence alone. Most landlords who lose do so because the evidence is thin or the deduction is too high. We make sure the claim is fair and well evidenced.
What can I deduct for?
Damage beyond fair wear and tear, cleaning to return the property to its check-in condition, unpaid rent and missing items. Wear and tear from normal use, allowing for how long the tenant lived there, can't be charged.
Do I need to use Rentals and Sales as my letting agent?
No. These are standalone, fixed-fee services for self-managing landlords. You keep managing your property and we do the one job you have paid for.
Which properties do you cover?
Residential lets in England. We are based in Wimbledon and most of our work is in south-west London, but paperwork-based services can be delivered for properties elsewhere in England.
General information for residential lettings in England, not legal advice. Rules depend on the tenancy and can change. Check current government guidance.