Student accomodation, private sector

Tenancy Deposits

Hi, my daughter and her five student friends will be getting the keys to their accomodation in a private house in three days time. They all paid the landlord £256.33 each, a number of weeks ago. Then when they move in they pay another £256.34. It works out as rent in advance. Is there a need for a deposit scheme?

Also, when they visited the property recently unannounced the property was in a disgusting, filthy condition. When they contacted the landlord he said when the existing students move out he would have the property cleaned. When they spoke to the existing tenants they said the landlord promised them that he would have it cleaned for the new term but when they arrived it was in a terrible state.

What safeguards can my daughter take to ensure that the property is in reasonable clean condition when she moves in this September. She will get the keys this weekend but will move home for the summer.
Any advice would be grateful.
Many thanks.HCE