You’ve packed your boxes, given notice to your letting agent, and are ready to move on to your next home. But before you get too excited, there’s one thing standing between you and a full deposit refund – the final inspection.
Losing part (or all) of your deposit is frustrating, especially when it’s for things you didn’t even realise were a problem. Most tenants expect to cover major damages, but it’s often the tiny, overlooked details that end up costing you. Here’s what you need to check before handing back the keys, so your hard-earned cash doesn’t disappear into your landlord’s pocket.
Marks on the Walls
Scuff marks, tiny nail holes, or even blu-tack stains might not seem like a big deal, but many landlords expect walls to look exactly as they did when you moved in. A few quick fixes can save you from unnecessary deductions – wipe off marks with a magic eraser, fill small holes with filler, and give walls a light clean to get rid of fingerprints or dust.
If you’ve gone all out with bold wallpaper or a bright feature wall, be prepared – you might need to repaint back to the original colour. If you’re unsure, check with your letting agent before making any changes.
Forgotten Light Bulbs & Batteries
It sounds ridiculous, but some tenants lose money over something as simple as a dead light bulb. If a landlord has to replace them, they’ll charge you for it, and it won’t be at the price you’d pay in a supermarket.
Check every bulb, smoke alarm, and remote control before you leave. Replacing them yourself is way cheaper than losing part of your deposit over it.
Dirty Carpets & Flooring
Even if you’ve been careful, carpets collect dust, dirt, and the occasional mystery stain. Some landlords insist on professional carpet cleaning before a tenant leaves, especially if pets were involved.
To avoid charges, give the carpets a thorough vacuum and spot-clean any stains. If the tenancy agreement requires professional cleaning, it’s usually cheaper to book it yourself rather than letting the landlord arrange it (and charge you extra).
Limescale & Kitchen Grime
You might not notice it, but your landlord definitely will. Limescale on taps, showerheads, and kettles is a common reason for deposit deductions, especially in hard water areas. A quick scrub with white vinegar or a descaler will sort it out in no time.
The same goes for greasy oven doors, burnt stovetops, and sticky kitchen cupboards. Even if the rest of the house is spotless, a dirty oven can ruin your deposit refund. Give it a deep clean before your final inspection.
Forgotten Bins & Garden Maintenance
Leaving behind overflowing bins is a surefire way to annoy your landlord, worry your letting agent, and lose money in the process. Make sure all rubbish is cleared out and the garden (if you have one) is tidy. If the grass looks like a jungle, a quick trim could save you from a hefty deduction.
Not Returning Keys & Fixtures to the Letting Agent
Lost keys? That could mean paying for a full lock replacement. Removed curtains, shelves, or hooks? If they came with the property, they need to go back in place before you leave. A quick check of the inventory list will help you avoid last-minute surprises.
Final Thoughts
The little details matter. A missing light bulb, a scuff on the wall, or a greasy oven might not seem like a big deal, but they can quickly add up to deposit deductions.
If you’re unsure about anything, a good letting agent can advise you on what needs fixing before you move out. Taking care of the small stuff now means getting more of your deposit back later, and that’s money better spent on your next home, not on unnecessary charges.