My landlord hasn't returned my deposit, what can I do?

When your tenancy ends, your landlord must return your deposit promptly — within 10 days of you agreeing the amount to be returned. If there is no agreement or a deduction dispute arises, you have the right to use the free dispute resolution service provided by whichever government-approved tenancy deposit scheme holds your deposit (Deposit Protection Service, MyDeposits, or Tenancy Deposit Scheme).

Before raising a formal dispute, contact your landlord in writing and ask them to specify any deductions they intend to make with evidence — receipts, invoices, or photos. They must be able to justify deductions for damage beyond fair wear and tear, unpaid rent, or cleaning costs. They cannot charge for normal wear and tear.

If you cannot reach agreement, contact the deposit scheme to raise a formal dispute. The scheme will appoint an independent adjudicator who will review evidence from both sides and make a binding decision. This service is free. The scheme holds the deposit securely and will pay out based on the adjudicator's decision.

If your deposit was never protected in a scheme, you can apply to the county court for the return of the deposit and a penalty of between one and three times the deposit amount. This is a separate right regardless of whether you believe the deposit deductions are fair.

Keep photographs of the property's condition at both check-in and check-out, and always do a formal check-out with an inventory. This evidence is vital for any dispute.