Friday 12-06-2026 - 10:55

Part 6: It's Your Money (getting your deposit back) 

 

 

We are back again to give you the full run down on the Renters’ Rights Act! (Remember you can read the full doc here). 

This week’s addition is the last in our series and focuses on your deposit and getting it back at the end of your tenancy. 

 

Before the Renters’ Rights Act your deposit already had to be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of paying it – this is still the case!  

 

How do I get my deposit back?  

• Before moving out, take photos and videos of the condition you left the property in. 
• Contact your landlord/letting agency via email to request your deposit back – email means you have a record of your communication. 

Once agreed between the landlord/letting agent and yourself, you should receive your deposit back within 10 days. 

 

Don’t forget to photograph the property when you move in and when you move out. 

 

When can a landlord withhold a deposit?  

There are several situations where a landlord may take money from or not return your deposit, for example if:  

• You owe rent. 
• You’ve damaged the property beyond normal wear and tear. 
• Note: reasonable wear and tear refers to things that naturally need replacing over time such as small scuffs on paintwork or furniture, damage beyond this may include carpet stains or large marks on walls!   
• You have broken, or lost items from the inventory list. 

 

This would not be normal wear and tear. 

 

If you think you are being given the wrong amount of money, ask your landlord/letting agent for specific information such as:  

• How they worked out what to give back to you. 
• What they are taking the money for. 
• Which deposit protection scheme your deposit is with. 

 

If agreements still can’t be met, you can contact the Advice team or the designated resolution service for your tenancy deposit protection scheme for specific support as each situation may need different advice.  

Keep in mind that some deposit protection schemes only give a 3-month window to access their dispute resolution service so it’s important to act quickly once your tenancy has ended!