Making a claim

What Evidence Do You Need For A Deposit Claim?

Proof you paid the deposit, your tenancy agreement and any renewals, scheme search results, and messages with your landlord or agent. Missing something? There is often another way.

Calculate What You Could Claim

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3 schemesto search: DPS, TDS and mydeposits
30 daysfor the landlord to protect it
Cash countsthe deposit rules cover cash too

In Short

For a tenancy deposit claim in England, you need to show that you paid a deposit, when your tenancy and any renewals started, and that the deposit was not protected in time or you did not get the prescribed information. Useful evidence includes a bank statement or receipt, your tenancy agreements, screenshots of your DPS, TDS and mydeposits searches, and emails or texts with your landlord or agent.

The Evidence To Gather

  • Proof you paid the deposit: a bank statement, transfer or receipt
  • Your tenancy agreement, plus every renewal or new agreement
  • Any deposit certificate or scheme paperwork you were given
  • Search results from DPS, TDS and mydeposits, as screenshots
  • Emails, texts or letters with your landlord or agent
  • Photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence

What Each Piece Shows

Proof Of PaymentThat you paid a deposit, how much and when. The landlord's 30 days start when they receive it.
Tenancy AgreementsWho the landlord is, the address and the dates, including when any renewal started.
Scheme SearchesWhether a scheme holds your deposit. Citizens Advice suggests emailing each scheme to confirm it in writing.
Paperwork You Were GivenLandlords must give you the scheme details (prescribed information) within 30 days. Not getting them matters too.
A Tenancy Deposit Scheme deposit protection certificate
A TDS deposit protection certificate. Keep anything like this you were given.

Keep Any Scheme Paperwork

The law requires the prescribed information, not always this exact certificate. Keep whatever you received, and note the date. If you got nothing at all, tell us.

Missing Something? Try This

The Problem
  • Lost the tenancy agreement
  • Paid the deposit in cash
  • No written agreement at all
  • Not sure which scheme
What Can Help
  • Search your emails, or ask the agent for a copy
  • A receipt, cash withdrawal, or a message about it
  • Rent payments and messages can show the tenancy
  • Search all three schemes and keep the results

Do Not Have Everything?

That is common. You do not need a perfect file to start. Take our deposit check, see how to check the schemes and what prescribed information is. Renewed more than once? Read about renewed tenancy claims.

Here's What You Get When Working With Us

Recommended

With Free Deposit Check
  • Full online deposit check and analysis
  • All three deposit schemes searched for you
  • Eligibility and time limits checked
  • Your whole case file prepared
  • Matched with our specialist solicitors
  • £387 court fee covered in your agreement
  • With you at every step
  • £0 up front and £0 if you lose (terms apply)
Claiming Yourself
  • Search each scheme yourself
  • Work out if you qualify
  • Gather and organise all the evidence
  • Write the letter to your landlord
  • Pay the £387 court fee up front (Help with Fees may cut it)
  • Present your case to the court
  • Chase your landlord for payment
  • All the risk and work is on you
Calculate What You Could Claim

If you win, the solicitor's success fee (up to 25% + VAT) comes out of your compensation. The solicitor pays us for the introduction, so you never pay us anything.

Quick Answers

What Evidence Do I Need For A Deposit Claim?

Proof you paid the deposit, your tenancy agreement and any renewals, results from the three scheme searches, and messages with your landlord or agent. The solicitor will also ask for photo ID.

I Lost My Tenancy Agreement. Can I Still Claim?

Possibly. Search your emails for the signed copy and ask the agent or landlord for one. Rent payments and messages can also help show when the tenancy started.

I Paid My Deposit In Cash. Does It Count?

Yes. The Housing Act 2004 says money includes cash. A receipt, a cash withdrawal on your bank statement, or messages about the deposit can help show you paid.

How Do I Show My Deposit Was Not Protected?

Search DPS, TDS and mydeposits and keep screenshots. Citizens Advice suggests emailing each scheme and asking them to confirm it was not protected, or was protected late.

Keep Reading

Making a claimCouncil Or Universal Credit Paid Your Deposit?Read Making a claimWhat Is A Tenancy Deposit Claim?Read Making a claimHow Much Could You Get?Read
Sources

Last updated 16 October 2026. General information for tenants in England only (the rules differ in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland). Not legal advice.

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