If there's a problem with a rented property's deposit scheme
You might be a landlord who wants to know how much you can take for a tenancy deposit and what you need to do with it once it’s paid. Or perhaps you’d like some advice on how to use a deposit to get back costs for damage at the end of a tenancy. If you’re a tenant, you might just want to be sure you’re deposit is protected, or to recover it when your tenancy ends.
Both parties have rights and obligations
There are certain rights and obligations that go along with the giving and taking of a deposit at the start and end of a tenancy. Landlords must protect the deposit by putting it in a tenancy deposit scheme, but they can also use the deposit to recover rent arrears or costs for damage at the end of a tenancy.
How we can help
If you’re a landlord, we can explain your obligations around tenancy deposit schemes. We’ll also talk you through the rights your tenant has if you don’t comply, and the process you’ll need to follow if there’s a dispute over repayment when the tenancy ends.
If you’re a tenant, we can explain how your deposit should be protected, how to get it back at the end of a tenancy, and what to do if your landlord hasn’t protected it properly. We’ll:
- listen to what the situation is
- give you clear guidance on your rights and obligations
- tell you what your options are
- Access our experts in consumer law, travel, motoring, landlords & tenancy, wills & probate and more
- Get clear guidance on your next steps from experts you can trust
- Unlimited calls – speak with us as often as you need
- Cover for your whole household
- Regular news and advice emails
- Access our experts in consumer law, travel, motoring, landlords & tenancy, wills & probate and more
- Get clear guidance on your next steps from experts you can trust
- Unlimited calls – speak with us as often as you need
- Cover for your whole household
- Regular news and advice emails
Read our common questions
Catherine Hudson
Catherine is an expert in landlord and tenant law, having worked for a housing charity as a Caseworker for 15 years.
Sophie Jones
Sophie joined Which? in June 2015 specialising in landlord and tenancy as well as other areas.
Mark Woodman
Mark is an expert in residential tenancy and Neighbour disputes, helping members to navigate their way around complex matters.
