How to Get Your Full Deposit Back in Brighton & Hove
The honest guide to passing your inventory check in Brighton and Hove — what landlords actually look for, where deposits get docked, and how to avoid every common pitfall.
Why so many tenants lose deposit money
Most deposit deductions in Brighton and Hove are not for damage — they are for cleanliness. Letting agents work to a clear inventory standard, and small failures (limescale, oven grease, fridge residue, hairline grime) add up fast across rooms.
Roughly two-thirds of contested deposits include cleaning charges, and the average deduction is between £80 and £220 — more than the cost of professional end-of-tenancy cleaning.
The 7 things landlords always inspect
- Oven — inside, racks, glass, hob and extractor
- Fridge and freezer — defrosted, no residue, seals wiped
- Bathroom — limescale on screens, taps, grout brightened
- Skirting, switches and door frames
- Internal windows, sills and frames
- Carpet shading along main routes
- Walls and high-touch surfaces (handles, sockets)
What to do (and not do) before the inventory
Move out completely first. The property must be empty for a proper inventory clean. Leave the keys with the agent or the landlord, or give your professional cleaner permission to collect them.
Don't rely on a regular clean. End-of-tenancy work is a different specification entirely — if your weekly cleaner offers it, double-check that they hold full insurance and a re-clean guarantee.
Photograph everything before handover. Time-stamped photos are gold-dust if a deduction is later contested through the deposit scheme.
Should you book a professional end of tenancy clean?
Almost always yes. A fixed-price professional end-of-tenancy clean in Brighton or Hove typically costs £135–£320 depending on size — less than the average deduction — and a reputable company will include a 72-hour re-clean guarantee.
If you do go DIY, allow a full day with two people, and follow the property's inventory checklist precisely.
Frequently asked
Can a landlord refuse to return my deposit over cleaning?
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Only if the property is below the standard documented in the check-in inventory. They must justify any deduction with written evidence and reasonable cost.
What's the deposit-back rate for professional cleans?
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For our Brighton and Hove end-of-tenancy cleans, more than 95% of properties pass the agent's inventory check on the first inspection.
Do I have to use a particular cleaning company?
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No — your tenancy agreement cannot legally require a specific company. It can require the standard of cleaning, but you choose who delivers it.
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