Data from alternative deposit firm Reposit shows that end-of-tenancy charges – including arrears, cleaning, and damages – were significantly lower among students tenants.

The company says the average charge for students was £788, compared to £1,131 in the wider PRS. And average damage costs were £472 in student lets, versus £563 for other renters but their £283 cleaning charge was higher than the £220 average.

The company also found that, although the average overall end-of-tenancy charge among students was lower in value than the wider PRS, those charges were occurring more frequently, with 63% of their tenancies ending in a charge compared to the 48% average.

Cleaning

Unsurprisingly, cleaning was the most common reason for charges for student tenants, followed by damages and then arrears. It is a pattern, though, that mirrors the rest of the private rented sector.

54% of student tenancies ended with a cleaning charge in 2024 compared to 34% of non-student tenancies, while damage rates were broadly similar at 29% in the student sector compared to the 24% average.

One of the biggest time drains in traditional deposit schemes is negotiating disputed charges.”

Bains says: “Among student letting agents where tenant turnover is high and cleaning charges are often incurred, deposit alternatives help manage these costs efficiently without complex deposit deductions or delays in returning deposits.

He adds: “One of the biggest time drains in traditional deposit schemes is negotiating disputed charges. With Reposit, supporting evidence can be uploaded instantly, allowing for faster resolution or direct tenant acceptance.”

Founded in 2015, Reposit provides an alternative to the standard tenancy deposit, easing cash flow for renters by enabling them to secure a property with one week’s rent.