Your Guide to Deposits & Check-outs
At Bespoke Portfolio Management, we believe transparency is the foundation of a successful relationship between Contract Holders and Landlord. Understanding how deposits are protected, how inventories record your home's condition, and how the check-out process works ensures a fair and smooth transition for both you and your landlord.
This guide provides the clarity and reassurance you need at every stage of your rental journey. Even if you are coming up to the start of your Contract, the steps you take now can help both yourselves, BPM and your Landlord in avoiding any confusion when you vacate.
Deposit Protection Scheme
(DPS)
Your security is our priority. Every deposit we handle is registered with a government-approved scheme, providing clear protection and peace of mind for both tenants and landlords alike.
Secure
Protection
Your deposit is registered with the DPS, a government-approved scheme that ensures your money is handled safely and legally.
Mutual Agreement
Deposit funds are held safely and cannot be moved or released without explicit, mutual agreement from both parties involved.
Tenant
Reassurance
Rest assured that the process is impartial. The DPS provides a fair platform for any necessary discussions regarding your deposit.
Detailed Property Inventories
The move-in inventory is a vital document that records the condition of the property room by room at the start of your Contract. It serves as an objective benchmark for both you and the landlord, ensuring complete transparency from day one.
- Records the condition of decorations, fixtures, and furniture room by room.
- Provides a clear evidentiary record to protect your deposit.
- Tenants should review the report and sign it carefully upon arrival.
- Used as the fair baseline for comparison at your check-out inspection.
Check-out Inspections
The check-out inspection is a pivotal step in completing your deposit return. It ensures that the transition is handled with complete transparency, comparing the final condition of the property against the initial records to reach a fair and evidence-based conclusion. Date stamped photographs will be the basis of the report and help to show move out condition as accurately as possible.
The Visit
Once you have all fully vacated we conduct a room-by-room inspection to document the property's state. We look at everything from the condition of the walls and flooring to the cleanliness of appliances, ensuring every detail is recorded precisely.
The Comparison
We compare the property’s condition against the inventory on move-in. This evidence-based approach ensures that any cleaning, repairs, or maintenance requirements are identified fairly and accurately.
The Outcome
Our final judgement follows DPS guidance on liability, distinguishing between tenant damage and fair wear and tear. We aim to settle all matters through mutual agreement and documentation, ensuring a smooth return of your deposit.
Damages & Claims
We take a calm, evidence-based approach to assessing the property at check-out. Our goal is to ensure a fair outcome for both parties, distinguishing clearly between everyday living and actual damage.
Fair Wear & Tear
This refers to the natural deterioration that occurs through normal, reasonable use of the property over time. Examples include:
- Minor scuffs on walls
- Natural fading of carpets
- Minor weathering of woodwork
Contract Holder Damage
Damage is anything that falls outside of 'fair wear and tear' and negatively impacts the property's value or function. Examples include:
- Burns on worktops
- Blu Tac staining to walls
- Deep stains to carpets
Calculating Deductions
If deductions are proposed, they are calculated based on the cost of repair or professional cleaning, accounting for the 'betterment' rule. Landlords cannot end up with something better than what they started with. We will provide clear evidence and are always open to discussing these points directly with you to reach a mutual agreement.
Official Guidance
Bespoke Portfolio Management adheres to the strict standards and guidance provided by the Deposit Protection Service (DPS). Our check-out inspections, damage evaluations, and subsequent claims are conducted with professional scrutiny, ensuring every assessment is evidence-based and transparent.
We highly encourage all tenants to review the official advice provided by the DPS to ensure they feel fully prepared and informed Throughout the restoration and return of their deposit.