18th June 2026

So why do landlords hold back deposits from tenants?

Cleaning was again the top reason for deposit claims in 2025, accounting for very nearly 30% of claims. That’s the news from the Deposit Protection Service (DPS). Its figures show that a need to clean the property has been the most common reason in each of the last five years.  Claim reason20212022202320242025Cleaning24.57%26.72%27.70%28.66%29.38%Damage14.60%16.68%17.70%18.16%18.42%Rent arrears17.71%19.74%18.74%17.31%16.45%Redecoration7.48%8.95%10.02%10.47%10.88%Other26.30%17.04%13.93%13.66%13.31% Managing director Matt Trevett says: “We encourage tenants to...