Survey sheds light on landlord and tenant disputes

Other issues likely to cause friction include property damage, redecoration of the premises and rent arrears, according to a new study.

The research, carried out by Imfuna Let, found that while cleaning was a common cause of tensions, the average claim was just £220.

This is a contrast to disputes over rent arrears, which are less common but far more costly when they do occur – a typical claim in this case stands at more than £1100.

Founder and chief executive of Imfuna Let, Jax Kneppers, said: ‘Many tenants claim that the cleanliness of the property at the start of the tenancy was not clear, or that the tenancy agreement did not make clear what was expected of them.

“If agents and landlords wish to make deductions for cleaning costs, they need to be careful to record the cleanliness of the property in sufficient detail, at the start and end of the tenancy. They will also need to ensure any charges they claim are a fair reflection of the property’s condition at the start of the tenancy.”

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