It’s market practice to claim the deposit back after the tenancy is over. (No offsetting rental)

The tenant likely agreed to it when they signed the tenancy.

It’s a business transaction not a charity.

You sound pretty sick really.

Must be one of those psychopath failures who thinks that he can bully someone just because someone is renting from him.

Following this topic. Hope to learn some tricks on how to deal with my future tenants.

As I said not everything.

They always find an excuse to deduct something from me.

It's always a nerve wrecking experience because normally they pay me after I give them the keys and the thing is, they can always run away after that.

I used to help my client to settle similar issue as yours.

My client rent out the property to a foreigner. Before the tenancy expiry, Mr A informed my client that he will not continue the tenancy and requested to offset from the paid deposit. My client agreed. However, the tenant refused to move out when the tenancy expired. My client came to me and asked for advice. After checking the status, both of us found the tenant did not pay for utility bills for several months.

So, we brought all documents – sale purchase agreement (SPA), stamped tenancy agreement and outstanding bills – and make a police report. Thereafter, police accompany us to enter into the property and “invite” the tenant – trouble maker – out from the property. Meanwhile, police took photos and file the case.

You may consider taking similar steps but please read your Tenancy Agreement(TA) before taking any action. Most landlords do not read the TA. You need to make sure there is such clause stated that tenant is not allowed to offset their rental from the paid deposit.

If you disconnect water and electricity supply personally or without making the police report, you are against the law. The tenant reserve the right to sue you.

Recently, they have new guideline and will send disconnection notice once the bill runs over the deposit amount.