Guidance for tenants

A tenancy deposit is money you pay at the start of a tenancy to cover certain losses if you break the terms of your agreement.

It is not a fee and it is still your money as long as you meet your responsibilities during the tenancy.

Your landlord can ask for a deposit but it is capped at a maximum amount set by law.

This cap applies to most private rented tenancies and is designed to prevent tenants from being asked for unreasonably high deposits.

Your landlord must protect your deposit in a government approved scheme. This means the money is held safely and cannot be kept unfairly.

You should be told which scheme is being used and how your deposit is protected.

Your deposit must be protected shortly after it is paid. This helps make sure your money is safeguarded from the start of your tenancy.

You should receive written information confirming how your deposit has been protected.

Money can only be taken from your deposit for specific reasons. These usually relate to damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent or missing items listed in the inventory.

Your landlord cannot make deductions simply because the property has been used normally.

Normal wear and tear means the expected deterioration of a property over time from everyday use.

This includes things like worn carpets, faded paint or minor marks that happen through normal living.

At the end of your tenancy your deposit should be returned promptly if there is no dispute.

If deductions are proposed you should be told what they are for and how much is being claimed.

If you disagree with proposed deductions you can raise a dispute through the deposit protection scheme holding your money.

The scheme offers a free and independent way to resolve disputes without going to court.

We can offer guidance if you are unsure whether your deposit has been protected or if you do not understand your rights.

We can also explain what the law says and what options may be available if there are problems with deposit protection.