Evidence Is Everything
Deposit scheme adjudicators decide disputes based on evidence. For each deduction, you need: (1) evidence of the condition at check-in (inventory and photos), (2) evidence of the condition at check-out (check-out report and photos), and (3) evidence of the cost (contractor invoice or quote). Without all three, the adjudicator is likely to find in the tenant's favour.
Tenancy Details
- Property address: [Address]
- Tenant name(s): [Names]
- Tenancy start date: [Date]
- Tenancy end date: [Date]
- Tenancy length: [X months / years]
- Deposit amount: £[Amount]
- Deposit scheme: [Scheme name]
- Deposit scheme reference: [Reference]
Evidence Bundle Index
List all evidence documents included with this schedule:
- E1 — Check-in inventory dated [date]
- E2 — Check-in photographs (folder/file reference)
- E3 — Check-out report dated [date]
- E4 — Check-out photographs (folder/file reference)
- E5 — [Contractor invoice / quote] for [item] dated [date]
- E6 — [Additional evidence]
Proposed Deductions
1. Cleaning
- Description: [e.g., Professional end-of-tenancy clean required — oven, bathroom, carpets and kitchen not cleaned to move-in standard]
- Check-in condition (evidence ref): [e.g., E1 — inventory notes 'professionally cleaned'; E2 — photos C1–C5]
- Check-out condition (evidence ref): [e.g., E3 — check-out report notes cleaning required; E4 — photos CO1–CO8]
- Cost evidence: [e.g., E5 — invoice from [cleaner] dated [date]]
- Amount claimed: £[Amount]
- Allowance for fair wear and tear: £[Amount] (if applicable)
- Net deduction: £[Amount]
2. Damage — [Item/Room]
- Description: [e.g., Hole in bedroom wall — not present at check-in]
- Check-in condition (evidence ref): [e.g., E1 — inventory notes 'walls in good condition'; E2 — photos B1–B3]
- Check-out condition (evidence ref): [e.g., E3 — check-out report notes damage; E4 — photos CO9–CO11]
- Cost evidence: [e.g., E6 — contractor quote from [name] dated [date]]
- Amount claimed: £[Amount]
- Allowance for fair wear and tear: £[Amount] (if applicable)
- Net deduction: £[Amount]
3. Missing Items
- Description: [e.g., Dining chair (1 of 4) missing]
- Check-in condition (evidence ref): [e.g., E1 — inventory lists 4 dining chairs; E2 — photos D1–D2]
- Check-out condition (evidence ref): [e.g., E3 — check-out report notes 3 chairs present]
- Cost evidence: [e.g., Replacement cost — [retailer] price list]
- Amount claimed: £[Amount]
- Allowance for age/depreciation: £[Amount]
- Net deduction: £[Amount]
4. Outstanding Rent
- Description: [e.g., Rent for [month] unpaid]
- Evidence: [e.g., Rent statement showing arrears]
- Amount claimed: £[Amount]
Summary of Deductions
- Cleaning: £[Amount]
- Damage: £[Amount]
- Missing items: £[Amount]
- Outstanding rent: £[Amount]
- Total deductions: £[Amount]
- Deposit held: £[Amount]
- Amount to be returned to tenant: £[Amount]
Legal Note: You cannot deduct for fair wear and tear — only for damage beyond what is expected given the length and nature of the tenancy. For items that have depreciated, the adjudicator will typically award a proportion of the replacement cost based on the item's age and expected lifespan. Always provide evidence for every deduction claimed.