Cleaning has once again emerged as the primary cause for deductions from tenancy deposits in the UK, marking the fifth consecutive year this issue has topped the list. According to figures released by The Deposit Protection Service (The DPS), nearly three in ten (29.38%) of all deposit claims handled by the organisation in 2025 were attributed to cleaning issues.
The data reveals a consistent upward trend in cleaning-related disputes. In 2021, cleaning accounted for 24.57% of claims, rising to 26.72% in 2022, 27.70% in 2023, and 28.66% in 2024, before reaching its latest peak. This persistent pattern suggests an ongoing challenge for both tenants and landlords in meeting and managing expectations regarding property cleanliness at the end of a tenancy.
Beyond cleaning, damage to properties was the second most frequent reason for deposit claims, making up 18.42% of disputes in 2025. Similar to cleaning, the proportion of damage-related claims has also seen a steady increase over the past five years, climbing from 14.60% in 2021. Rent arrears followed as the third most common cause, accounting for 16.45% of claims. However, unlike cleaning and damage, the incidence of claims due to rent arrears has actually decreased since its peak of 19.74% in 2022.
Other significant reasons for deposit deductions included redecoration, which comprised 10.88% of claims in 2025, a notable increase from 7.48% five years prior. Claims categorised under 'other reasons' saw a sharp decline during the same period, falling from 26.30% in 2021 to 13.31% last year. Matt Trevett, managing director of The DPS, highlighted that the overall proportion of deposits ending in a dispute remains low, with less than 5% of all protected deposits requiring formal resolution. He stressed the importance of tenants understanding their obligations and landlords clearly communicating their expectations to minimise disagreements.
The DPS offers an impartial, free-to-use dispute resolution service for instances where landlords and tenants cannot agree on deductions. This service aims to ensure that tenancy agreements are settled fairly, providing a crucial mechanism for resolving conflicts without the need for court action. The consistent nature of these top reasons for claims underscores the need for clear communication and adherence to tenancy agreement terms from both parties.
Source: The Deposit Protection Service