Cleaning remains the number one cause of tenancy deposit disputes, according to new figures from the DPS.
In 2025, almost three in ten claims (29.4%) related to cleaning, making it the fifth consecutive year that cleaning issues have topped the list. Damage to property (18.4%) and rent arrears (16.5%) followed behind.
Interestingly, disputes over redecoration have also risen steadily over the last five years, highlighting the importance of understanding what constitutes fair wear and tear versus tenant responsibility.
The figures serve as a timely reminder for both landlords and tenants. Clear communication, comprehensive inventories and regular property visits can all help to minimise disagreements when a tenancy comes to an end.
For tenants, leaving a property in the same standard of cleanliness as at the start of the tenancy can prevent unnecessary deductions. For landlords, detailed check-in reports and photographic evidence remain invaluable should a dispute arise.
Encouragingly, fewer than 5% of deposits protected by the DPS result in a formal dispute, demonstrating that the vast majority of tenancies conclude smoothly.
At Littlefairs Property Company, we continue to work closely with landlords and tenants to ensure expectations are clear from the outset, helping to achieve fair and hassle-free tenancy endings for everyone.
