Getting your deposit back

 

 

At the end of your tenancy your accommodation provider will inform the scheme that is protecting your tenancy deposit that the tenancy has come to an end and how much deposit they think should be returned to you. You will then have a choice whether to accept this or to dispute it through the deposit scheme.

 

 

What can my accommodation provider claim for out of my deposit?

 

A proportion of your deposit (or the full amount) can be retained to pay for rent arrears or damage to the property which occurred during the tenancy. You should check your tenancy agreement carefully to ensure that you understand what maintenance you are responsible for during your stay and what your provider is responsible for.

 

 

Tips for getting your full deposit back

 

 

Inventory

The accommodation provider may provide this at the beginning of the tenancy. Check it and note any damage or faults in the property. If you are not provided with one, then send an email detailing the damage/faults.  

At the end of the tenancy check the inventory again to make sure nothing is missing or broken. Replace or fix as needed.

Report disrepair

Always tell your provider straight away if there are any repairs needed or if there have been breakages, preferably in writing.

Check your contract

Check for your responsibilities as a tenant and details about things you cannot do such as using Blu-Tac.

Clean

Keep the property clean throughout the time that you are renting it and have a proper deep clean at the end of the tenancy. The property needs to be returned in the same condition as when you moved in, except for fair wear and tear. Do not leave any rubbish or unwanted items in the property as you may be charged for removal.

Take final meter readings

You don’t want to be paying the next tenant’s bills! If you have a smart meter, take a photo of the reading on moving out day.

Take dated photos of the property

This is proof that you’ve left the property in a good condition, and will be useful if a dispute arises with the accommodation provider about how much deposit is to be returned to you.

Return keys

Follow your tenancy agreement on how to return the keys to the accommodation provider and ask for a receipt as proof.

 

What if I disagree with the amount of deposit that the provider wants to return to me?

 

If there is a dispute between you and the accommodation provider as to how much deposit should be returned, then you can use the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process operated by your tenancy deposit protection scheme. Please note, you must start the dispute procedure within the time frame stipulated by the deposit scheme (normally within 3 months from the end of the tenancy).

 

They will look at the evidence provided by the tenants and accommodation provider and then make a final decision on how much deposit is to be repaid to you. If you or your provider do not agree to use the ADR process then the dispute must usually be resolved by the county court. In the case of a dispute, the deposit will be returned within 10 days of the scheme being notified of the ADR or county court's decision.

 

 

Need further support on deposits? Please contact our Housing Advice Service.

 

 

What if my accommodation provider does not start the process of returning my deposit to me within 10 days?

 

Ask your provider why. If you are not happy with the response then use the dispute procedure of the scheme where your deposit is protected. If there has been no agreement, you must start the dispute procedure within the time frame stipulated by the deposit scheme (normally within 3 months).

 

 

How long should it take to get my deposit back?

 

If you and your provider agree on the amount that will be returned, then you should get the deposit back within 10 days of agreement. If however, you are in a dispute with your accommodation provider over the amount of deposit to be returned, then it will be protected in the deposit scheme until the issue is resolved.