Home & Living guide

Get your tenancy deposit back in full

Prepare for check-out, respond to proposed deductions and use the free deposit scheme dispute service if you and your landlord cannot agree.

Time needed: 2–3 hours spread over your last monthUpdated: 28 September 2026

Most deposit disputes are won or lost on evidence gathered long before the tenancy ends. This guide takes you through preparing the property, documenting its condition, negotiating deductions and, if necessary, using the free dispute resolution service offered by the deposit protection scheme. It applies to assured tenancies in England.

Step by step

  1. Confirm where your deposit is protected

    Find the prescribed information you were given at the start and note which of the government-approved schemes holds your deposit and its reference number. If you cannot find it, ask the landlord in writing and check with the schemes yourself. If it was never protected, get advice from Shelter or Citizens Advice before you go further.

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