When an Inspection is Not Carried Out
If you do not carry out an inspection either before or after the tenancy, you cannot deduct anything from a security deposit for damages that go beyond normal wear and tear. It might still be possible for you to return the security deposit and then sue the tenant for any damage caused.
If you make a deduction from the security deposit for damages when an inspection was not carried out, the tenant can take legal action against you to recover the money. It will then be up to the court to decide if you are able to keep any of the money.
December 2005