How to get your tenancy deposit back in the UK
Your deposit must be protected. Here is the usual timeline, disputes process, and what good evidence looks like.
In England and Wales, if you have an assured shorthold tenancy, your landlord or agent must protect your deposit in a government-backed scheme (DPS, TDS, or MyDeposits) within 30 days of receipt and give you prescribed information about which scheme holds it.
When you move out, request a check-out report if one was not offered, and take dated photos of each room after you have cleaned. Return all keys as agreed and keep proof. Small details — meter readings, forwarding address — reduce avoidable delays.
If the agent proposes deductions, they should explain them against the tenancy agreement and any inventory. You can negotiate. If you disagree, use the scheme’s free dispute resolution; an adjudicator will decide based on evidence, not opinions.
If your deposit was never protected, you may have a separate claim for penalties. Citizens Advice and Shelter publish up-to-date guides; this article is general information, not legal advice.
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