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There are some exceptions to this, such as if your accommodation comes with your employment. Please contact the RUSU Advice Service if you need more information on this or if you find a discrepancy with your deposit. WHAT IF MY DEPOSIT IS NOT REGISTERED WITH A SCHEME? Some types of tenancy do not require your landlord to register your deposit with a scheme. Shelter’s Tenancy Checker will help you work out what type of tenancy you have and if your deposit should be held in a deposit scheme: england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advi ce/downloads_and_tools/tenancy_rig hts_checker HOW WILL I CHECK OUT? This is where things may change slightly under COVID-19. Ideally you would have taken your belongings from the property, however due to the lockdown, this may not have been possible. There are companies which can aid you in packing your belongings and forwarding them to you (be aware this comes at a charge). CHECK OUT INVENTORY? Again, there may be minor changes with this too. Video technology can be used for a virtual tour with your landlord to check the property at the end of your tenancy. If you did not get a chance to clean your property to the standard of when you moved in – work with your landlord to see if you can employ a cleaning company to do this. Make sure to always get quotes so you know it’s a fair price!
If you can be present during the checkout inventory and it is permitted under government guidelines, please ensure that you stick to COVID-19 guidelines by keeping a safe distance and ensuring good hygiene measures. WHAT DO I DO IF MY LANDLORD WHAT TO KEEP ALL OR PART OF MY DEPOSIT? Do you have a copy of the inventory from when you moved in? If not, ask your landlord for a copy. As long as your deposit is protected, the deposit company will mediate on your behalf. It would be helpful if you have pictures of the property when you check out, so ask your landlord to send you some pictures or record the virtual tour and keep a copy. WHAT ABOUT MY UTILITY BILLS? It is important that you have your meter readings from the property at the end of your tenancy. It would be best to have picture evidence of the meter readings. Contact your utilities companies and either cancel or transfer your utilities provider to your new address.
If you would like further support in claiming your deposit back, you can contact RUSU Advice Service: www.rusu.co.uk/advice/get-advice 19
