Tenancy Deposit Return Request
Formal request for return of a tenancy deposit at end of tenancy, with reference to the tenancy deposit scheme and ADR.
This template was not drafted by a solicitor.
It is an editorial reference based on the official sources we cite. You are responsible for any document you send. For high-stakes matters (court proceedings, large sums, deportation, criminal allegations, child welfare), have a regulated solicitor review or draft your document.
When to use this template
Your tenancy has ended and you want your deposit returned. Where the landlord disputes deductions, this letter records your position before invoking the deposit scheme's ADR.
When NOT to use this template
If your deposit was never protected — issue a deposit penalty claim under s.214 Housing Act 2004 (up to 3× the deposit).
Legal Basis
Housing Act 2004 ss.213–215C; tenancy deposit scheme rules (TDS, mydeposits, or DPS).
Before you send
- Accepting deductions you dispute without challenging them — once accepted, they're hard to claw back
- Missing the deposit scheme ADR window (usually 14 days from the landlord's deduction proposal)
- Failing to itemise the property's condition with the move-in inventory and end-of-tenancy condition
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Accepting deductions you dispute without challenging them — once accepted, they're hard to claw back
- ✗Missing the deposit scheme ADR window (usually 14 days from the landlord's deduction proposal)
- ✗Failing to itemise the property's condition with the move-in inventory and end-of-tenancy condition
Build Your Letter
Fill in your details
Complete the fields below. Required fields are marked with *.
Letter preview
[Your Name] [Your forwarding address] [Telephone] [Email] [LANDLORD'S NAME] [LANDLORD'S ADDRESS] Date: [DATE] Dear [LANDLORD'S NAME], Request for return of deposit — [PROPERTY ADDRESS] My tenancy at the above property ended on [TENANCY END DATE]. I gave up possession on [DATE YOU GAVE UP POSSESSION] and provided you with my forwarding address above. The deposit of £[DEPOSIT AMOUNT (£)] was protected with [DEPOSIT SCHEME NAME] under reference [SCHEME REFERENCE NUMBER]. 1. Deductions you have proposed [DEDUCTIONS THE LANDLORD HAS PROPOSED] 2. My position [YOUR RESPONSE TO EACH DEDUCTION] 3. Return requested In light of the above, I request return of: - The undisputed portion: £[UNDISPUTED AMOUNT (£)] - The disputed portion (£[DISPUTED AMOUNT (£)]) to be referred to [DEPOSIT SCHEME NAME] ADR if not agreed Please return the undisputed amount within 10 working days and confirm whether you agree to my position on the disputed amount, or that you will lodge the dispute with the scheme ADR. If I have not heard from you within 14 days, I will lodge the dispute myself with the scheme and (if appropriate) issue a claim under section 214 Housing Act 2004 for any failure to protect the deposit correctly. Yours sincerely, [YOUR NAME]
Unfilled fields appear as [FIELD NAME]. Review the letter carefully before sending. This template is a starting point — adapt it to your specific circumstances.