Getting started
What to do if your landlord won't return your deposit
Chase your landlord in writing, confirm which scheme holds the deposit, and raise a DPS, TDS or MyDeposits dispute with dated evidence if they miss deadlines.
Step-by-step actions when your landlord or agent delays, ignores you, or refuses to return your UK tenancy deposit — from first chase to scheme escalation.
Moved out weeks ago and still no deposit? Got a vague “we’re assessing” email forever? Or deductions with no invoices? You are not powerless — but the steps you take in the first month matter. This guide separates “they’re slow” from “they’re ignoring you” and tells you exactly what to do next.
Step 1: Confirm where your deposit actually is
Before anything else, find out if your deposit is protected with DPS, TDS or MyDeposits. Search all three tenant lookup tools with your name, address and deposit amount. If protected, the scheme is your formal backstop. If never protected, you may have separate legal remedies — but that is a different process with time limits.
- Search DPS, TDS and MyDeposits tenant portals
- Check tenancy agreement and move-in emails for scheme name and ID
- Email landlord/agent: “Confirm scheme name, protection reference, and protected amount”
- Save every chase — dates prove you acted promptly
Step 2: If they are slow but still talking
Some delay is normal while contractors quote or check-out reports are written. But “we’ll get back to you” without a date is not enough. Send a clear written chase with a deadline.
- 1First chase — day 14–21 after move-out
Polite, factual, with deadline. Attach nothing yet unless disputing check-out report.
- 2Second chase — if no proper response
Repeat request, note previous email date, say you will escalate to deposit scheme if unresolved.
- 3Document key facts
Key return date, forwarding address, bank deposit payment proof, any check-out report received.
Step 3: If they claim deductions you reject
Do not argue in one angry paragraph. Request itemisation. Respond to each line with evidence. Common fights: cleaning with no invoice, damage with no check-in comparison, full redecoration for minor wear, missing items not on inventory.
- Ask for invoices, quotes and check-in pages for every charge
- Send move-out photos and inventory with your written response
- Dispute check-out report errors immediately — not weeks later
- Offer reasonable settlement on items you genuinely accept, if any
Step 4: If they ignore you completely
- Contact the deposit scheme with your protection reference — ask how to raise or respond to a dispute
- Submit organised evidence: timeline, photos, inventory, written deduction responses
- Do not withhold rent or take belongings as “offset” — creates new legal problems
- Consider legal advice if deposit was never protected or sums are very large
Evidence that helps when they go quiet
- Proof of key return (email confirming handover, time-stamped photos outside property)
- All chase emails showing you asked promptly
- Check-in and check-out documents
- Bank record showing original deposit payment
- Tenancy agreement clauses on deposit and cleaning
- Meter readings and final utility screenshots if relevant to disputes
Rent arrears and “set-off” claims
Landlords sometimes deduct unpaid rent from deposits. If you dispute the amount, provide payment proof — bank transfers, receipts, or account statements. If rent was genuinely unpaid and contract allows set-off, you may still dispute cleaning/damage charges separately.
Common questions
Should I withhold my last month’s rent?
Usually risky. It can lead to arrears claims, court action, and reference issues. Dispute through evidence and deposit scheme instead unless you have specific legal advice.
They said they’ll pay but never did — what now?
Follow up in writing, reference broken promise with dates, escalate to scheme if protected. Broken verbal promises need written proof you chased.
Can I claim interest on my deposit?
Depends on scheme type and contract. Custodial schemes may pay interest to tenant or landlord per terms — check your prescribed information.
I left early — does that forfeit my deposit?
Not automatically. Early surrender agreements, rent until re-let, and fair deductions still need evidence. Get any surrender deal in writing.
Agent closed down — who do I chase?
Landlord remains responsible for deposit protection. Find scheme via lookup tools and contact scheme directly.
Ready to build your dispute pack?
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