PROPERTIES being left dirty or messy is the top reason why renters don't get their deposit back, according to a survey of letting agents.

Almost nine in ten (88 per cent) cited lack of cleanliness upon vacating a property as the key reason why landlords kept part of all of the deposit.

The research has been carried out by ARLA Propertymark, which represents letting agents.

Forty-four per cent of letting agents said lack of maintenance was a major reason for holding back money. Tenants are expected to take care of the property they are renting, which includes keeping gardens in the same state as when they moved in.

Direct damage to the property and its contents was a bugbear for 39 per cent of landlords, such as sticking photos on the wall or hanging pictures without asking permission first.

The fourth most common reason was unpaid rent (31 per cent). ARLA Propertymark recommends tenants set up a standing order to ensure their rent is always paid on time.

President Sally Lawson said: "When you’re leaving a property you’ve been renting, the general rule is to leave it as you found it. Make sure you haven’t left any personal belongings behind, and that the property is clean and tidy for the next tenants.

"You should flag any damaged items to your letting agent or landlord during the agreement, so that when you leave it doesn’t come as a shock."