As the end-of-tenancy season looms, and with the Renters’ Rights Bill set to shake up renting in the biggest reform for a generation, new research from Google reveals why so many renters lose their deposits – and how they can pick up the simple DIY skills that could help them keep hold of their cash using Google Gemini.
The new study reveals a tough reality for young renters in the UK, with 71% of 18–34-year-olds saying they’ve lost part of their rental deposit, often for small, easily fixable issues like scuffed walls, nail holes, or dirty ovens. A third (33%) report losing between £500–£999, while a staggering 75% admit they’ve avoided repairs simply because they didn’t know how to tackle them.
Deposit-loss anxiety
It’s a common problem and a worry young renters could do without: Over half of renters (57%) across the UK say their biggest worry when moving out is not getting their full deposit back, and with good reason.
A quarter (25%) admit they would struggle to tackle DIY repairs without guidance, leaving them at risk of losing money over small, fixable issues. When faced with a minor repair or cleaning job, the first instinct for most Brits is to search online for DIY tutorials (39%), while almost three in ten (29%) would attempt the repair themselves without research, often risking costly mistakes. Meanwhile, around a quarter (26%) say they would immediately turn to their landlord or letting agent. But none of these provide solutions to the anxiety caused by worrying about their deposit, while also worrying how to fix a small issue, adequately.
Teaming up with the experts and AI
With millions of renters facing the stress of moving out, Google has partnered with childhood TV icons and deposit defenders Dick & Dom to launch “Dick & Dom in Da Rented Flat”. The playful social series will see the duo reunite outside the bungalow and step into the realities of rented life, showing how Google’s AI tool, Gemini, can coach even the most clueless renter through simple DIY fixes – helping them keep hold of their hard-earned cash.
Alongside the experts, the research shows renters are crying out for help, with 67% of Brits saying a real-time, interactive guide would be “extremely” or “very” valuable when it comes to fixing problems before moving out. Google’s Gemini in Live mode can help renters confidently tackle the most common end-of-tenancy snags from touching up paint (25%) to bleeding a radiator (20%) and filling small holes in walls (19%). These simple skills, which renters say they’re most eager to learn, could save hundreds of pounds from being slashed off deposits.
New research commissioned by Google:
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71% of 18–34 year olds say they’ve lost part of their deposit at the end of a tenancy.
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Nearly a third (31%) lost between £500–£999 – a significant financial hit at a time when costs are already high.
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63% of young renters lost deposits due to minor damage like scuff marks, nail holes and scratches – issues that can be fixed quickly with the right guidance.
Three-quarters (75%) of Brits admit to avoiding small DIY repairs because they didn’t know how to do them.
57% of renters say their biggest worry when moving out is not getting their full deposit back
Dick and Dom’s top tips for getting your deposit back:
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Patch It, Don’t Panic:
Small nail holes and scuff marks are some of the biggest reasons renters lose cash. Grab some filler and paint or show Gemini Live the damage and let it talk you through the fix step by step. -
Oven Lovin’:
A dirty oven will make for an unhappy landlord. Don’t leave it until the last minute. Gemini Live can recommend the right products and guide you through a deep clean, so your landlord can’t complain. -
Tackle the Tricky Bits:
From bleeding a radiator to unblocking a sink, these jobs sound scary but take minutes when you know how. Point your camera at the problem and let Gemini be your DIY coach. -
Don’t Ignore the Small Stuff:
Loose fixtures, wonky curtain rails, or a dripping tap might seem minor but they can cost you! A quick fix now could save you hundreds later. -
Make a Move-Out Checklist:
Before you hand back the keys, walk through each room with Gemini on Live mode as your sidekick. It’ll help you spot easy fixes you might miss and make sure you leave nothing (including your hard-earned deposit) behind.
Laurian Clemence, Head of Product Communications at Google UK, said:
“Handing back the keys at the end of a tenancy can be one of the most stressful and expensive moments for renters, with many losing hundreds of pounds for small, fixable issues. Gemini is particularly good at helping with DIY jobs; guiding you through what to do step-by-step, from botched paint to cracks on the wall, simply ask it what to do! It’s like having a free DIY coach in your pocket.
Dick & Dom reunite!
Fans rejoice, as ‘Dick & Dom in Da Rented Flat’ launches on Instagram @DickandDomofficial on 1st October 2025. With Gemini, you can use live video or screen sharing to get real-time, conversational help with any DIY task. Download the Google Gemini mobile app on Android or iOS today to turn small fixes into big deposit savings.
