Letting agents are an indispensable component of the buy-to-let market, helping landlords locate tenants and manage their properties efficiently. Unfortunately, not every Glasgow letting agency does provide equal services.

Assuming you left the property clean and paid all bills when leaving it behind, your deposit should be returned when moving out; however, some landlords take deductions for various reasons from it.

Ask for a copy of the inventory.

An inventory is a comprehensive document that documents the condition of a property before tenants move in, typically including written notes, digital photographs, and sometimes video footage. An accurate inventory is essential when renting property, as it can prevent disputes over damage later. Furthermore, adding an addendum sheet will enable any changes to be recorded and agreed upon by both parties involved.

Ideally, you should be present when your landlord or agent compiles an inventory, so you can point out any items that should be included and ensure they are. Once complete, review it carefully and sign if satisfied that it is accurate. If any deductions from your deposit do not accord with your expectations, then this should be addressed accordingly.

If a Glasgow landlord or letting agency is withholding part of your deposit because of damage caused by you that was not your fault, they must provide an itemised list of repairs and costs incurred, as well as how much of the deposit should be kept to cover these expenses. Furthermore, receipts should also be requested for work completed. Should you disagree with their decision, either use the tenancy deposit scheme to request your money back or consider legal action as appropriate.

Ask for a copy of the tenancy agreement.

A tenancy agreement is an essential document that sets out the terms of your rental contract. Before signing, be sure to carefully read it through and sign. Your landlord is legally obliged to give you a copy. Be sure that it includes details about rent, fees, and contract conditions, as well as property condition descriptions.

Request an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This legal document displays the property’s energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions; all rental properties should display it prominently in their listing advertisement.

Before moving in, the Glasgow letting agency should present you with original copies of the EPC, gas safety certificate, and inventory to help identify any problems that need attention and reduce future disputes. If they refuse, please contact the redress scheme to complain immediately.

At the conclusion of your tenancy, you have every right to receive back your deposit if all necessary actions have been completed, such as staying for the full term and paying rent on time. A letting agent may only deduct money from your deposit for reasonable and legitimate reasons, such as damage to the property or paintwork.

Ask for a copy of the tenancy deposit scheme.

Private landlords and letting agents are only permitted to charge up to two months’ rent as deposits. Once paid into a tenancy deposit scheme, written receipts must be provided as evidence that it has been properly deposited. Holding fees or key money cannot be charged separately. If your landlord breaches these rules, disputes can be raised with their deposit scheme; each one offers free dispute resolution services that act as independent adjudicators; make sure you have all the required documents ready before raising one with them.

Landlords may only deduct funds from your deposit if there are valid grounds, such as damage caused to the property or outstanding rent payments. They cannot keep your deposit to cover costs associated with normal wear and tear, such as replacing worn carpets or repainting walls; thus, it is wise to conduct an inventory before you move in and take note of any existing damage to show that any deductions are fair.

If a landlord or letting agent wishes to keep your deposit, they must first present you with a breakdown of all of the costs they are charging before asking for your decision regarding them. If there is a dispute, however, contact your tenancy deposit scheme so they can help resolve it.

Ask for a copy of the tenancy deposit return form.

As a landlord, it’s wise to return a tenant’s security deposit using certified mail or another method with proof of delivery. This serves as evidence that the landlord did indeed return it and shows professionalism and attention to detail while also complying with state and local laws on security deposits. If any amounts need to be deducted from a tenant’s security deposit for expenses like chipped paint or faded furniture repairs, make sure an itemised list of expenses and receipts are provided so there are no disputes and confusions over why any charges need to be deducted or how.

Landlords or letting agents must conduct a detailed inspection before their tenants move out to assess any damages that could lead to deposit deductions and provide an itemised statement of all deductions within an acceptable timeframe after the inspection; they should also provide copies of cleaning or repair bills if applicable.

It is also advisable in certain states to return any interest your tenants have earned on their deposits, although this usually only applies if they were held in an interest-bearing account. For more information, it’s best to reach out to a local law enforcement agency. Furthermore, always provide your tenants with receipts so as to prevent legal complications later.