How students can make sure they are refunded their accommodation deposit

September 9, 2016 by Brendan O'Neill

Advice & Tips

As September is underway, students will be searching for their new student accommodation so they can embark on their university adventure. As student loans and grants often take time to come through, it may be the parents who end up paying the deposit on the new living quarters. However, there are now more people struggling to get their deposit back at the end of the year.

According to a survey of students attending the University of Bath, almost half of them didn’t receive a refund of their deposit within the legal time frame. Specialist property litigation lawyer at Gorvins solicitors, Danielle Clements, states that a student tenancy in England and Wales should be drafted as an Assured Shorthold Tenancy. In addition, the deposit should be protected by the landlord in a Tenancy Deposit Scheme, which has been approved by the government.

However, according to the director of SpareRoom.co.uk, Matt Hutchinson, the majority of private student rentals are owned by accidental and amateur landlords. Hutchinson adds that some of the landlords are likely to withhold money for professional cleaning at the end of the tenancy, but students should check whether the tenancy agreement states that this is mandatory.

An inventory should be requested on moving in to the property, and the property must be in the same condition as it was prior to renting. At the end of the tenancy, make sure that the last month’s rent and other bills are all paid before requesting the deposit back. If the landlord refuses, seek advice before starting legal proceedings. A mortgage adviser who is CeMAP qualified may also be able to provide advice about renting.