Deposit Protection Schemes

In Wales, by law, your security deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme. This ensures your money is safe and that any disputes about deductions can be resolved fairly.

• Protection: FlatHomes protects deposits with either the Deposit Protection Service (DPS) or MyDeposits. You should have received information about which specific scheme your deposit is protected with shortly after you paid it.
• Purpose of Deposit: Your deposit is held to cover any unpaid rent, damage to the property beyond normal wear and tear, or costs for cleaning if the property is not left in the condition it was found (allowing for fair use).
• When is it Returned?: Your deposit should be returned within 10 working days of you and FlatHomes agreeing on any deductions, or, if there's a dispute, within 10 working days of the dispute being resolved by the scheme.

Common Deductions Explained

Deductions from your deposit are made to cover costs that arise from a breach of your occupation contract. Here are the most common reasons:

• Cleaning: If the property is not left in a reasonably clean condition at the end of your contract, a deduction might be made for professional cleaning. This means returning it to the same standard of cleanliness as when you moved in, as shown in your inventory.
• Damage: Costs for repairing damage to the property or its contents that goes beyond normal wear and tear. For example, a large hole in the wall is damage, but a small scuff mark on paintwork might be considered wear and tear.
• Unpaid Rent or Bills: Any outstanding rent payments or utility bills that were your responsibility under the contract.
• Missing Items: Costs to replace items that were listed on the inventory but are now missing.

Typical Costs of Deductions (Estimates)

While exact costs can vary based on the severity of the issue and local service providers, here are some estimated costs for common deductions to give you an idea:

• Professional Cleaning (full property): £150 - £350 (depending on property size and condition)
• Professional Oven Clean: £50 - £100
• Carpet Cleaning (per room): £60 - £150
• Repainting a single wall (due to damage): £90 - £200
• Minor repairs (e.g., small hole in wall, broken shelf): £60 - £200
• Replacement of missing keys: £10 - £50 (depending on type of key/fob)
• Unpaid Rent/Bills: Actual outstanding amount

Please note: These are estimated costs and actual charges will be based on quotes from professional contractors and the specific work required. FlatHomes will always aim to provide fair and reasonable costs for any necessary works.

Case Study 1: The Kitchen Clean

Sarah moved out of her FlatHomes property. She had cleaned most of the flat, but the oven and extractor fan in the kitchen were still quite greasy, and the bathroom tiles had some limescale build-up.

• Outcome: FlatHomes arranged for a professional cleaner to specifically deep-clean the oven, extractor fan, and bathroom. The cost for this targeted cleaning was deducted from Sarah's deposit.
• Lesson: Always refer to your original inventory and check-in report. Aim to return the property to the same standard of cleanliness as when you moved in. A professional clean before moving out can often prevent deductions.

Case Study 2: The Wall Mark

Tom accidentally scuffed a large, noticeable mark on a freshly painted wall while moving his sofa out. This was not present on the check-in report.

• Outcome: FlatHomes deducted the cost of repainting that specific wall to cover the damage. This was considered beyond normal wear and tear for a new paint job.
• Lesson: Take care when moving furniture. If accidental damage occurs, report it to FlatHomes. Small marks might be wear and tear, but significant damage usually isn't.

Case Study 3: The Unpaid Bill

Laura moved out, and although her rent was paid up, she forgot to pay her final electricity bill. FlatHomes received a final notice for the outstanding amount.

• Outcome: The amount of the unpaid electricity bill was deducted from Laura's deposit.
• Lesson: Make sure all utility accounts are closed and final bills are paid up to your move-out date. Keep proof of payment.

Independent Dispute Resolution

If you disagree with any proposed deductions from your deposit, you have the right to dispute them through the Tenancy Deposit Scheme's free dispute resolution service.

• How it Works: The scheme acts as an independent third party. You and FlatHomes will both submit evidence (like your inventory, photos, communication, receipts) to the scheme, and an impartial adjudicator will make a decision.
• Evidence is Key: Good evidence from both the start and end of your contract (e.g., detailed inventory, photos, videos) is crucial if a dispute arises.