When your tenancy ends under OpenRent Deposit Free, the check-out process follows a clear, evidence-based procedure to settle any outstanding balances or property damages.
1. Landlord Review & Raising Charges
- Check-In & Check-Out Evidence: To raise any Charges for cleaning or damage under the Deposit Free Guarantee, the landlord must have completed a detailed check-in inventory with dated photographs at the start of the tenancy (uploaded to OpenRent within seven days of move-in) and a corresponding check-out report.
- Raising Charges: If there are damages or unpaid rent, the landlord itemises them as Charges on the OpenRent dashboard, accompanied by photographic evidence, invoices, or quotes.
- No Charges Raised: If the property has been maintained in good condition and rent is fully paid, the landlord closes the tenancy without raising Charges. Your monthly Deposit Free fee payments stop immediately, and your file is closed with nothing further to pay.
2. The 10-Day Negotiation Period
Once the landlord submits proposed Charges, tenants enter a 10-day review period:
- Accept: You can accept an individual Charge if you agree with the landlord's assessment.
- Counter-Offer: You can propose a different amount with an explanatory note and evidence.
- Dispute: You can refuse the Charge entirely and upload your own counter-evidence (such as check-in/check-out photos, receipts, or email records).
Important — Default Acceptance:
Any Charge that remains unactioned when the 10-day review window closes will be accepted by default. A reminder email and SMS will be sent 24 hours before the deadline. Once accepted by default, the total Charges will be finalised and will be due.
3. Independent Adjudication by mydeposits
If you and your landlord cannot reach an agreement on one or more charges during the negotiation period, you can refer the disputed items to mydeposits for independent adjudication.
- Evidence Submission: Both parties submit their final comments and supporting documentation.
- Fast Decision: An independent adjudicator reviews the contract, inventory reports, and correspondence, delivering a legally binding decision within 28 days of evidence submission.
- Payment After a Decision: The adjudicator’s decision is final. Any amount awarded is due within 7 days, so it’s worth trying to agree directly first.
4. Settlement & Payments
- Payment by Tenant: Once Charges are agreed upon or determined by mydeposits, the final balance is due from the tenants. Tenants can settle the balance directly via their dashboard
- Deposit Free Guarantee Protection: If a tenant fails to pay the agreed or awarded Charges within the required timeframe, OpenRent reimburses the landlord directly under the Guarantee (within seven working days of an evidence check, subject to a £100 minimum claim threshold). OpenRent will then seek reimbursement directly from the responsible tenants.