Quick Answer
- What it is:
- Tenancy deposit dispute — a housing procedure in United Kingdom.
- Deadline:
- 30 days
- Steps:
- 4 steps
- Documents:
- 0 required
- Legal basis:
- Housing Act 2004 s.213-215
Important Deadlines
Landlord must protect deposit within 30 days of receipt
Open ADR dispute promptly after tenancy end (no fixed limit, but earlier = stronger)
Required Documents
Step-by-Step Guide
Confirm which scheme protects your deposit (DPS / TDS / MyDeposits).
Pro tip: Landlord must inform you within 30 days of receipt — otherwise the deposit is unprotected.
Request the check-in / check-out report and itemised deductions in writing.
Pro tip: Email + recorded delivery — keep a paper trail for the scheme adjudicator.
Open a free dispute via the protection scheme's Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
Pro tip: ADR decisions are binding on the landlord. Outcome usually in 28 days.
If unprotected, claim 1×–3× deposit through the County Court.
Pro tip: Limitation 6 years (s.214 Housing Act 2004).
Legal Basis
Also Known As
This procedure is commonly searched under these names:
Official Resources
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