Student guide: 5 ways to ensure you get your deposit back

As another academic year draws to a close, the big move is looming. At Arthur, we know that for property managers and landlords, this season is a whirlwind of inspections and turnovers. For students, it’s a mix of celebration and the stress of packing. 

To help make the transition smoother for everyone, we’ve put together this essential guide. Landlords and agents: feel free to share this directly with your tenants to help them understand exactly what’s expected and to ensure they get their hard-earned deposit back in full.

1. Unblocking sinks

One of the most common reasons for a professional cleaning or maintenance charge is a sluggish drain. In student houses, sinks and showers take a beating. 

The culprits of blockages range from hair and food scraps to the dreaded solidified cooking grease. Don’t wait for the final day. Grab a bottle of heavy-duty unblocker from the supermarket and get the job done. For a more eco-friendly approach, a handful of baking soda followed by a cup of white vinegar and boiling water can work wonders on minor buildup. 

Clear the plug holes in the shower, too. It’s a grim job, but it’s much cheaper than paying a plumber’s call-out fee. 

2. Managing condensation

Condensation leads to mould, and mould is the fast track to a deposit deduction. Many students think mould is a structural issue, but it’s often caused by lifestyle factors, such as drying clothes indoors or showering without ventilation. 

• Wipe it down: If you see moisture on the windows in the morning, wipe it off with a cloth.
• Ventilate: Keep the trickle vents on your windows open, and always use the extractor fan when cooking or showering.
• Final scrub: If there are small black spots around window frames or in bathroom corners, use a dedicated mould-remover spray. If you catch it early, it won't leave a stain.

3. Deep clean

A surface clean isn't enough. When a landlord or agent inspects the property, they look at the places you usually ignore. 

• The oven: This is the number one deposit-killer. If it looks like a charcoal pit, you will be charged. Buy a heavy-duty oven cleaner, let it sit overnight, and scrub it until the glass is clear.
• Behind the scenes: Pull the furniture away from the walls. You’d be surprised how many dust bunnies live behind your bed.
• The fridge: Empty it completely, defrost the freezer (put down towels), and wipe up any sticky spills.

4. Take a look at the walls

We know you wanted to make the room feel like home, but those posters can be expensive. 

• Blue-tack greasemarks: These can be tricky. Try using a tiny bit of sugar soap or a magic eraser sponge to lift the oils.
• Patching holes: If you’ve used pins or nails, a tiny bit of white filler can hide the evidence. Just make sure it matches the paint!

5. Walkthrough

Before you hand over the keys, do a final walkthrough and take photos of every room. Check your original inventory from the start of the year. If a mark was there when you moved in, you shouldn't be charged for it now, but you need the evidence to prove it. 

Final thoughts

It’s important to make the relationship between tenants and property managers as seamless as possible. This guide helps you leave your student home on great terms with your landlord.

Landlords: If you're looking for more ways to streamline your end-of-tenancy inspections and communication, explore how Arthur can automate the process for you. Book a demo now!