More than half of disputes about the return of tenancy deposits during the last year resulted from property damage, according to figures from The Deposit Protection Service (The DPS).

When tenants and landlords do not agree about how much of a deposit should be returned to the tenant at the end of a tenancy, The DPS’ free, impartial dispute resolution service aims to ensure a fair conclusion without the need for complex or expensive legal proceedings.

Matt Trevett, MD at The DPS, said: “Cleaning and damage, as well as the most likely causes of disputes during the last 12 months, are also closely related.

“By not cleaning – for example leaving the build-up of grease or grime in an oven to the point where a professional cleaner cannot rectify it – tenants run the risk of damage for which they are then liable, depending on the obligations set out in their tenancy agreement.

“To avoid disagreements and ensure a swift conclusion to the tenancy, we always recommend that landlords communicate clearly with tenants about their responsibilities to the property and that tenants abide by the obligations set out in their tenancy agreements.

“Less than 3% of our deposits fall into dispute, and we work hard to ensure there is a wealth of information online to help landlords avoid or deal with a dispute when it arises.”

The DPS also said that it is running a free webinar this month on the dispute resolution process as part of the organisation’s continuing commitment to developing its services.

The hour-long webinar, hosted by trained adjudicators, will cover how adjudicators decide claims and how much to award in successful cases.

To sign up for the Thursday 17 November webinar, see: Home | Dispute Webinar Session 2: Is your claim fair?