A deposit is your money, held to cover damage or unpaid rent. Knowing the rules helps you get it back.
Key points
- Your landlord or agent has to put your deposit in an approved scheme within 30 days of getting it.
- The approved schemes in England and Wales are the Deposit Protection Service, MyDeposits and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.
- Protection still applies if someone else paid the deposit for you, for example a parent or a rent deposit scheme.
- The landlord must return the deposit within 10 days of you both agreeing how much you will get back.
- If you disagree, the deposit stays protected in the scheme until the dispute is sorted out.
When you move in
- Ask which scheme holds your deposit and keep the paperwork.
- Take dated photos of every room and anything already damaged or dirty, and keep them.
- Make sure a written inventory or check-in report is agreed.
When you move out
- Clean, take dated photos, and keep keys until the check-out if you can.
- Be there for the check-out inspection if possible.
- Give your forwarding address in writing.
- If your deposit is not returned, or you disagree with deductions, ask for an itemised list with evidence for each item, and remember that fair wear and tear is not damage. Our deposit letter template can help.
- If you cannot agree, use the free dispute resolution service of your deposit scheme.
If your deposit was never protected
If you think your deposit was not protected, or you never got the information about it, get advice from Shelter or Citizens Advice before you decide what to do. There can be consequences for a landlord who did not follow the rules.
Limits of this guide
This is general information for England. A holding deposit paid before you sign becomes a deposit once you become a tenant and must then be protected. If you live in your landlord's home as a lodger, the rules can differ, so check.
Questions people ask
How long does my landlord have to protect my deposit?
Within 30 days of getting it, in an approved scheme.
Can my landlord keep my deposit for normal wear and tear?
Fair wear and tear is not damage. Ask for an itemised list with evidence for any deduction.
Sources and official help
This guide is general information, not legal or benefits advice. Rules and amounts change, so check the official links above or speak to Citizens Advice or your council before you make a decision.