Tenancy Deposit — Cambridge

High-value rental market, large student population, and a significant deposit dispute profile.
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About Tenancy Deposits in Cambridge

Tenancy deposit disputes in Cambridge

Cambridge has a high-value private rental market driven by its two major universities and its large technology sector. The city's student rental market — concentrated in Romsey, Petersfield, and the city centre — generates regular deposit disputes around cleaning, damage, and wear and tear.

Cambridge's student rental areas see some of the highest deposit dispute rates in the East of England. The rapid turnover of student tenancies means that landlords and agents often apply standard deduction lists. The professional rental market around the city centre and the Cambridge Science Park creates different issues.

Common deposit issues in Cambridge

Template cleaning deduction, Romsey student house

A group of students leaving a Romsey shared house were charged £200 each for cleaning despite having professionally cleaned the property and provided a receipt.

Dispute over decoration deduction, Cambridge city centre apartment

A professional tenant leaving a two-year tenancy in a Cambridge city centre apartment was charged £850 for "redecoration" despite the property showing only normal wear for the length of tenancy.

Cambridge rental market facts

  • Large student rental market around the two universities
  • High-value professional rental market driven by the technology sector
  • High proportion of properties managed by letting agents
  • Significant volume of HMO properties in student areas

Local regulations

Cambridge rental deposits are governed by the same deposit protection legislation as the rest of England. HMO licensing applies in many Cambridge areas, particularly in student areas.

Frequently asked questions — Cambridge

My letting agent applied a standard cleaning charge — is this allowed?

No. Deposit deductions must be based on the actual condition of the property at the end of the tenancy, not on a standard template. If the agent did not inspect the property or cannot demonstrate that cleaning was actually required, the deduction is not justified.

My landlord wants to charge for redecoration after a two-year tenancy — is this fair?

After a two-year tenancy, some wear to decoration is expected and constitutes normal wear and tear. Landlords cannot charge for redecoration that is simply due to the passage of time and normal living.

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