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How Long To Get Your Deposit Back?

Your landlord must pay it back within 10 days of you both agreeing how much you get. If you cannot agree, the scheme's dispute service can decide.

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10 daysto repay once you both agree
3 monthsusual time to raise a scheme dispute
1x to 3xyour deposit, if never protected

In Short

Your landlord must return your deposit within 10 days of you both agreeing how much you get back. If they hold it in an insured scheme and have not repaid within 10 days of your request, you can tell the scheme, which can order them to pay the money in. If you disagree, the free dispute service can decide, but schemes often expect disputes within about three months. If it was never protected, you may go to court.

From Moving Out To Money Back

  1. Move OutAsk for your deposit back in writing.
  2. NextYour landlord agrees, or tells you the deductions they want.
  3. Within 10 DaysThe agreed amount is paid back to you.
  4. No AgreementRaise a dispute with the scheme.
  5. About 3 MonthsUsual limit to raise a scheme dispute.

Custodial Or Insured: It Matters

Custodial SchemeThe scheme holds your money. Once you both agree, the scheme pays you within 10 days.
Insured SchemeYour landlord or agent holds the money. Not repaid within 10 days of asking? Tell the scheme.
Insured And DisputedThe scheme tells your landlord to pay the unpaid amount to it within 10 days.

If They Will Not Agree Or Will Not Pay

  1. Ask In WritingRequest your deposit back by email or letter, and keep a copy.
  2. Find Your SchemeSearch DPS, TDS and mydeposits to see where it is protected.
  3. Try To AgreeAsk for the reason and evidence for every deduction.
  4. Raise A DisputeUse the scheme's free dispute service, and do it early.

Insured Deposits: Dispute Time Limits

Deposit Protection ServiceDPSYour dispute form must reach DPS within three months of the tenancy ending.
Tenancy Deposit SchemeTDSDisputes within 3 months of the tenancy ending, after giving your landlord 10 days to repay.
mydepositsmydepositsWithin three calendar months of moving out, or of it becoming unprotected if sooner.

Never Protected? Different Rules

If your deposit is in no scheme, there is no dispute service. Write to your landlord first. You may then apply to the county court, which can order your deposit back and must award 1x to 3x on top. See getting your deposit back and common landlord problems.

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

When Does The 10 Days Start?

From when you and your landlord agree how much you get back. For an insured deposit, you can also tell the scheme if you are not repaid within 10 days of asking.

What If My Landlord Does Not Reply?

If your deposit is protected, contact the scheme as soon as possible. You can raise a dispute even if you cannot reach your landlord.

Is There A Deadline To Raise A Dispute?

Often, yes. For insured deposits, DPS, TDS and mydeposits all set about three months from the end of the tenancy or moving out. Check your scheme and act early.

How Long Does A Scheme Dispute Take?

It varies. DPS estimates about six weeks from the evidence stage to a decision, but some cases take longer.

What If My Deposit Was Never Protected?

You may be able to apply to the county court. It can order your deposit back and must award 1x to 3x the deposit on top.

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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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