Making a claim

Common Problems With Landlords

Unfair deductions, slow returns and missing paperwork are the most common. Whatever the problem, first check your deposit was protected: if it was not, you may be able to claim.

Calculate What You Could Claim

Free to check · 60 seconds · No win, no fee

29%of DPS claims in 2025 were about cleaning
10 daysto pay back the amount you agree
1x to 3xyour deposit, if it was never protected

In Short

The most common end-of-tenancy problems are unfair deductions, slow returns and missing paperwork. Your landlord cannot charge for fair wear and tear, and you only need to leave the home as clean as it was when you moved in. If your deposit was protected, the scheme's free dispute service can decide. If it was never protected, you may be able to claim 1x to 3x the deposit as well.

The First Question: Was It Protected?

Whatever the problem, start here. If your deposit was protected, the scheme's free dispute service can settle arguments about deductions. If it was never protected, or protected late, you may be able to claim 1x to 3x the deposit. How to check.

The Most Common Deposit Problems

Unfair DeductionsMoney taken for cleaning, old marks or redecorating, often with no check-in report to compare against.
Slow Or No ReturnWeeks pass after you move out and the deposit, or part of it, never arrives.
No Paperwork Or SchemeYou were never told which scheme holds your deposit, or it is not in any of them.
Fees You Should Not PayCharges for viewings, references or an inventory. These have been banned since June 2019.

Fair Wear And Tear, Or Damage?

Fair Wear And Tear
  • Paint that has faded or lightly marked
  • Carpet worn where people walk
  • Normal signs of everyday living
  • Redecoration that was simply due
Damage
  • Burns, stains or torn carpet
  • Holes or deep gouges in walls
  • Redecorating without the landlord's consent
  • Items broken or missing

Your Rights At The End Of A Tenancy

  • Clean only to the standard it was in when you moved in
  • No deductions for fair wear and tear
  • No deductions just because redecoration is due
  • Agreed money back within 10 days
  • A free dispute service if your deposit was protected
  • No forced professional cleaning, only a reasonable cost back to the move-in standard

Other Problems Tenants Raise

Entering Without NoticeYour landlord should give you 24 hours' written notice to visit, except in a real emergency.
Ignoring Your MessagesPut everything in writing and keep copies. If the deposit is protected, the scheme can help even if they go quiet.
Pressure About Your DepositA deposit is not a bargaining chip. Since 1 May 2026, landlords also cannot use no-fault evictions.

What To Do Next

  1. Check It Was ProtectedSearch DPS, TDS and mydeposits, or use our free check.
  2. Ask For EvidenceAsk in writing for receipts, photos and the check-in report for each deduction.
  3. Use The Free Dispute ServiceIf it was protected, the scheme can decide on disputed deductions for free.
  4. Not Protected? You May ClaimNever protected or protected late can mean 1x to 3x the deposit.

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

How Long Does My Landlord Have To Return My Deposit?

Your landlord must pay back the deposit within 10 days of you both agreeing how much you will get back. If you disagree, the deposit stays protected in the scheme until it is sorted out.

Can My Landlord Charge Me For Professional Cleaning?

They cannot make you pay for professional cleaning as a condition of the tenancy. They can only deduct a reasonable cost to bring the home back to how clean it was when you moved in, as shown in the check-in report.

Can My Landlord Keep Money For Wear And Tear?

No. Your landlord cannot keep any of your deposit for fair wear and tear, or just because the property is due to be redecorated.

How Do I Dispute A Deduction?

If your deposit was protected, contact the scheme as soon as possible. Its dispute service is free, both sides must agree to use it, and its decision is final.

What If My Deposit Was Never Protected?

Write to your landlord first. You may be able to apply to the county court, and a court must award 1x to 3x the deposit if the rules were broken.

Keep Reading

Making a claimWhat Is A Tenancy Deposit Claim?Read Making a claimHow Much Could You Get?Read Making a claimDeposit Protected Late? You May Still ClaimRead
Sources

Last updated 15 October 2026. General information for tenants in England only (the rules differ in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland). Not legal advice.

About usGuidesDeposit checkCompensation calculatorRefer a friendPrivacy PolicyReferral TermsCookie PolicyCookie settingsFree Deposit Check is a trading style of FLUXMA Ltd, registered in England and Wales, company number 16655882. Registered office: Hall Farm, Langley, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 0HW.