Deposit Deductions and End of Tenancy Repairs: How Letting Agents Can Improve Tenant Outcomes

The majority of tenants in the private rental sector face at least partial deductions from their deposits upon vacating a property. Recent research indicates that over 52% of renters have had some or all of their deposits withheld in the last five years. The most common reasons cited: cleaning shortcomings and minor repairs. For many, this process can become a source of stress and even disputes, especially when clarity on what is required at end-of-tenancy is lacking.

Why Do Deductions Occur?

End of tenancy cleaning and minor wear-and-tear top the list of causes for withheld deposits. Some tenants also report delayed deposit returns, sometimes despite no apparent issues. With more than 400,000 deposits affected every year, the figures show an urgent need for transparency and solid communication between letting agents, landlords, and tenants.

The Role of Proactive Repairs Management

Modern letting agents now recognise that many deposit disputes can be avoided by resolving minor repairs early in a tenancy, not just at the end. The shift to proactive property maintenance—enabled by tools such as AI-powered diagnostics and video triage—helps identify and address issues as they arise. This reduces the build-up of minor damage or overlooked cleaning jobs.

Technology for Better Transparency and Speed

Smart repair systems like Help me Fix offer letting agents the means to diagnose and manage repairs swiftly. By facilitating instant AI-driven analysis or connecting tenants with remote engineers via live video, both tenants and agents can agree on repairs standards and expectations before move-out.

Avoiding Common Disputes

Open, documented processes are essential. Automated job reports with images, clear step-by-step guides for tenants, and transparent follow-up communications mean both sides know what to expect. This reduces delays, avoids last-minute deductions, and boosts tenant confidence.

Harnessing technology allows letting agents to provide tenants with clearer guidelines and improves outcomes for all parties involved. Better repairs management leads to happier tenants and fewer deposit disputes.

Ettan Bazil, Founder & CEO of Help me Fix

A modern, digital-first approach to repairs and maintenance is not just a win for tenants; it enhances the reputation of letting agents and reassures landlords that their properties are well cared for from start to finish.