What should I do if my landlord disputes deductions from my deposit?

If your landlord disputes deductions, you should formally record your position before using the deposit scheme's Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service. The letter should itemise the proposed deductions, state your response to each, and request the return of the undisputed portion. It also asks the landlord to confirm their position or lodge the dispute with the scheme within a specified timeframe.

What can I do if my deposit was never protected?

If your deposit was never protected in a tenancy deposit scheme, you can issue a deposit penalty claim under section 214 of the Housing Act 2004. This allows you to claim up to three times the amount of the deposit. This action is distinct from standard dispute resolution for protected deposits and addresses the specific failure to protect the funds.

What are the risks of not challenging deposit deductions immediately?

Missing the deposit scheme ADR window is a significant risk. This window is usually 14 days from the landlord's deduction proposal. Additionally, accepting deductions you dispute without challenging them makes them hard to claw back later. Failing to itemise the property's condition using the move-in inventory and end-of-tenancy condition also weakens your position.

How long does the landlord have to respond to a deposit return request?

The letter requests the landlord to return the undisputed amount within 10 working days. It also asks for confirmation on the disputed amount or notification that the landlord will lodge the dispute with the scheme's ADR. If no response is received within 14 days, the tenant may lodge the dispute themselves and potentially issue a claim under section 214 of the Housing Act 2004.

Which deposit schemes are covered by this request process?

The tenancy deposit scheme rules apply to TDS, mydeposits, or DPS. The letter references the specific scheme where the deposit was protected and its reference number. If the landlord does not agree to the tenant's position on disputed amounts, the matter is referred to the scheme's ADR for resolution, as outlined in the Housing Act 2004.

← All Templates

Housing

Housing Law

Updated 2026-05-21

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 *.

Date*

Landlord's name*

Landlord's address*

Property address*

Tenancy end date*

Date you gave up possession*

Deposit amount (£)*

Deposit scheme name*

Scheme reference number*

Deductions the landlord has proposed*

Your response to each deduction*

Undisputed amount (£)*

Disputed amount (£)*

Your name*

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.

Official Resources

TDS England →mydeposits →Deposit Protection Service →

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if my landlord disputes deductions from my deposit?: If your landlord disputes deductions, you should formally record your position before using the deposit scheme's Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service. The letter should itemise the proposed deductions, state your response to each, and request the return of the undisputed portion. It also asks the landlord to confirm their position or lodge the dispute with the scheme within a specified timeframe.
What can I do if my deposit was never protected?: If your deposit was never protected in a tenancy deposit scheme, you can issue a deposit penalty claim under section 214 of the Housing Act 2004. This allows you to claim up to three times the amount of the deposit. This action is distinct from standard dispute resolution for protected deposits and addresses the specific failure to protect the funds.
What are the risks of not challenging deposit deductions immediately?: Missing the deposit scheme ADR window is a significant risk. This window is usually 14 days from the landlord's deduction proposal. Additionally, accepting deductions you dispute without challenging them makes them hard to claw back later. Failing to itemise the property's condition using the move-in inventory and end-of-tenancy condition also weakens your position.
How long does the landlord have to respond to a deposit return request?: The letter requests the landlord to return the undisputed amount within 10 working days. It also asks for confirmation on the disputed amount or notification that the landlord will lodge the dispute with the scheme's ADR. If no response is received within 14 days, the tenant may lodge the dispute themselves and potentially issue a claim under section 214 of the Housing Act 2004.
Which deposit schemes are covered by this request process?: The tenancy deposit scheme rules apply to TDS, mydeposits, or DPS. The letter references the specific scheme where the deposit was protected and its reference number. If the landlord does not agree to the tenant's position on disputed amounts, the matter is referred to the scheme's ADR for resolution, as outlined in the Housing Act 2004.