As someone who has rented property in Brighton and Hove for more than 20 years,

I read 'Letting rogues keep deposits' (The Argus, March 19) with great interest.

Three housemates and I lost more than £700 when one of the so-called 'reputable' agents quoted in your article chose to withhold two thirds of our deposit for cleaning and rubbish collection.

Although we had cleaned the property thoroughly before vacating the premises, this high-profile city agency was adamant it wanted to have the house cleaned professionally.

Apparently, the small pile of rubbish we left in the yard would cost a fortune to be removed.

To further sour the relationship, the meagre remains of our deposit took months rather than weeks to be returned with barely an apology.

With so-called 'reputable' agencies profiting so shamelessly off the backs of their tenants, I suggest anyone considering renting property should investigate their rights with the assistance of the Citizen's Advice Bureau before signing on the dotted line.

-Caroline Brading, Hanover Terrace, Brighton