Cleaning issues have remained the leading cause of tenancy deposit disputes in the UK for the fifth year in a row, according to recent data from The Deposit Protection Service (The DPS). In 2025, nearly 30% of deposit claims involved cleaning-related deductions, highlighting ongoing challenges for landlords and tenants in meeting end-of-tenancy standards. This trend underscores the importance of clear communication and understanding of responsibilities throughout the tenancy lifecycle.
Cleaning Continues to Dominate Deposit Disputes
The DPS reports that cleaning accounted for 29.38% of tenancy deposit claims in 2025, marking a steady increase since 2021, when it represented 24.57% of claims. This consistent rise over five years suggests that cleaning remains a persistent area of contention between landlords and tenants. Despite awareness campaigns and guidance, many tenants appear to struggle with meeting the expected cleanliness standards at the end of their tenancy.
For landlords and letting agents, this data highlights the need to set clear expectations about cleaning requirements from the outset. Providing tenants with detailed checklists or professional cleaning guidelines can help reduce disputes and ensure properties are returned in an acceptable condition.
Damage and Rent Arrears Also Feature Prominently
Following cleaning, property damage was the next most common reason for deposit deductions, accounting for 18.42% of claims in 2025. This figure has also risen steadily over the past five years, increasing from 14.60% in 2021. Damage claims typically relate to repairs beyond normal wear and tear, emphasising the importance of thorough inventory reports and regular property inspections during tenancies.
Rent arrears accounted for 16.45% of deposit claims last year, although this proportion has fluctuated, peaking at nearly 20% in 2022 before declining slightly in subsequent years. While rent arrears remain a significant concern, the recent downward trend may reflect improved rent collection practices or tenant support mechanisms.
Redecoration Claims on the Rise, Other Reasons Decline
Claims related to redecoration increased to 10.88% in 2025, up from 7.48% five years earlier. This suggests landlords are more frequently seeking compensation for repainting or refurbishing properties after tenancies, possibly due to changes in tenant behaviour or expectations around property condition.
Conversely, claims categorised as ‘other reasons’ have dropped sharply, from 26.30% in 2021 to 13.31% in 2025. This reduction may indicate that landlords and tenants are becoming more focused on specific, well-defined issues when making deposit claims, potentially aided by clearer dispute resolution processes.
Dispute Resolution and Tenant Obligations
Matt Trevett, managing director of The DPS, notes that the reasons for deposit deductions have remained relatively stable over the past five years. He emphasises the importance of tenants understanding their obligations at the end of a tenancy and landlords communicating expectations clearly. Such clarity can help minimise disputes and foster smoother tenancy conclusions.
The DPS also highlights that fewer than 5% of all protected deposits result in disputes, and where disagreements do arise, their free impartial dispute resolution service aims to ensure fair outcomes. This service is a valuable tool for landlords and tenants seeking to resolve deposit issues without resorting to legal action.
What This Means for Landlords
For UK landlords and letting agents, the persistence of cleaning as the top cause of deposit claims signals a need to proactively manage end-of-tenancy processes. Providing tenants with clear guidance on cleaning standards and expectations can reduce misunderstandings and potential disputes. Detailed inventories and photographic evidence at the start and end of tenancies remain essential to support any claims for damage or other deductions.
Landlords should also be aware that while rent arrears claims have decreased slightly, they continue to represent a significant portion of deposit disputes. Maintaining regular communication with tenants and addressing payment issues promptly can help mitigate this risk. Additionally, understanding the scope of reasonable deductions under tenancy deposit protection schemes is crucial to ensure compliance and fairness.
What TLA Members Should Consider
- Provide tenants with comprehensive cleaning checklists and guidance at tenancy commencement and renewal.
- Conduct thorough inventories with photographic evidence at both move-in and move-out stages.
- Communicate clearly about acceptable standards for property condition, including redecorating expectations.
- Engage tenants early regarding any rent arrears and document communications carefully.
- Familiarise yourself with the dispute resolution services offered by tenancy deposit schemes to resolve disagreements efficiently.
- Utilise resources available through the TLA Academy to stay informed on best practices for tenancy management and compliance.
TLA Training Academy
The Landlord Association provides structured guidance, compliance education and practical support for landlords, letting agents and property professionals. Members can access training and resources designed to help them stay organised, informed and prepared.
Landlords can explore the Academy here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/tla-academy/
Those looking to join and access member support can register here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/get-started-with-the-landlord-association/
TLA update
The Landlord Association is continuing to expand its support, resources and partner network for landlords, tenants, agents and property professionals across the UK. Service providers interested in working with TLA can register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/
Source: www.property118.com
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