What to Do If Your Deposit Is Partially Returned?

If your deposit has come back short, you have clear rights and a straightforward process to challenge deductions you don’t agree with. Here’s what to do, step by step.

Step 1: Check your tenancy agreement

Your tenancy agreement sets out the conditions under which deductions can be made from your deposit. Read through it carefully and check whether the deductions your landlord has made are consistent with what you agreed to when you signed. Common permitted deductions include damage beyond fair wear and tear, professional cleaning if specified in the agreement, and unpaid rent.

Step 2: Request an itemised breakdown of deductions

Your landlord or letting agent must provide a clear, itemised explanation of every deduction. If you haven’t received one, ask for it in writing and keep a record of the request. The breakdown should specify the amount and the reason for each deduction, for example £100 for carpet cleaning or £50 for a broken fitting.

If the landlord cannot justify a deduction with evidence, that’s grounds to dispute it. Our guide on how landlords should return a deposit covers what landlords are legally required to provide.

Step 3: Raise a dispute through your deposit protection scheme

In the UK, landlords are legally required to protect your deposit in a government-backed deposit scheme within 30 days of receiving it. The three approved schemes are:

• Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)
• Deposit Protection Service (DPS)
• MyDeposits

All three offer a free dispute resolution service. If you disagree with deductions, raise a dispute directly through whichever scheme holds your deposit. You’ll need to submit evidence to support your case, including:

• Photos of the property condition at check-in and check-out
• A copy of the inventory if one was completed
• Any relevant correspondence with your landlord
• Receipts or estimates for any work you carried out

The scheme will review both sides and make a decision on how the deposit should be allocated.

Step 4: Keep everything professional and documented

Whether you’re communicating with your landlord directly or going through the scheme, keep all correspondence in writing and maintain a clear record of everything. A calm, factual approach is more effective than an adversarial one, and a clear paper trail protects you throughout the process.

If your landlord didn’t protect your deposit in an approved scheme, or failed to provide you with the required information about the scheme within the correct timeframe, you may be entitled to compensation of one to three times the deposit amount. This can be pursued through the courts.

Step 5: Get further help if needed

If the dispute resolution process doesn’t resolve things to your satisfaction, or if you need guidance at any stage, free support is available:

• Citizens Advice provides free guidance on deposit disputes and tenant rights
• Shelter offers detailed advice on what landlords can and can’t deduct for
• Small claims court is an option as a last resort if the amount is significant and the scheme dispute hasn’t resolved the matter

Will contents insurance help?

Contents insurance won’t directly assist with a deposit dispute, but if you’re facing unexpected costs during or after a tenancy, such as replacing damaged belongings or dealing with the aftermath of a water leak or fire, your contents policy may cover those.

With Lemonade’s contents insurance, your personal belongings are protected against theft, fire, and other covered events throughout your tenancy.

Before we go

A partial deposit return is frustrating, but the process for challenging it is clear. Request an itemised breakdown, check it against your tenancy agreement, and raise a dispute through your deposit protection scheme if you disagree. Keep everything in writing, submit your evidence, and don’t hesitate to use the free support services available if you need them.

Deposit return FAQs