Deposit deductions: how to get your money back

Your deposit should be protected

In England and Wales, a landlord or letting agent must protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of getting it. The schemes are the Deposit Protection Service, mydeposits and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own schemes.

Once you and your landlord agree how much you'll get back, the deposit must be returned within 10 days.

If you disagree with a deduction

• Ask the landlord or agent to explain each deduction in writing, with evidence such as the check-in and check-out reports and photos.
• Normal wear and tear from living somewhere isn't damage.
• The scheme protecting your deposit offers a free dispute resolution service. You and the landlord both have to agree to use it, you both submit evidence, and the decision is final.
• There may be a time limit to raise a dispute, so act quickly.

If your deposit was never protected

Write to your landlord and agent first. If that doesn't work, you can claim in the county court. If the landlord didn't protect the deposit or give you the required information, the court can order them to repay it and to pay you between one and three times the deposit.