Making a claim

Your Landlord Sold Up. What About Your Deposit?

Your tenancy carries on. The deposit usually passes to the new landlord, who must keep it protected and tell you which scheme holds it.

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30 daysfor the new landlord to protect it
2 monthsat most, to give you their address
1x to 3xthe deposit, if the rules were broken

In Short

If your landlord sells the home you rent in England, your tenancy carries on with the new owner. The deposit is usually passed to the new landlord, who has 30 days to make sure it is protected and tell you which scheme holds it. If the old landlord never passed it on, they stay responsible for protecting it. Whoever is your landlord when you move out must return the deposit.

What Should Happen When Your Home Is Sold

  1. The SaleThe old landlord tells the deposit scheme about the sale
  2. HandoverThe deposit, or its scheme record, moves to the new landlord
  3. Within 30 DaysThe new landlord makes sure it is protected and tells you where
  4. Within 2 MonthsYou get the new landlord's name and address in writing
  5. You Move OutThe new landlord returns your deposit, even if never handed over

Who To Claim Against

Usually The New LandlordIf they took over your deposit but did not protect it, or tell you where, within 30 days.
Sometimes The Old LandlordIf they kept the money and did not keep it protected, the duty stays with them.
Getting The Deposit BackWhoever is your landlord when you leave must return it, even if the old landlord never passed it on.

What To Check After A Sale

  • You have the new landlord's name and address in writing
  • You can find your deposit in DPS, TDS or mydeposits
  • You have scheme paperwork naming your new landlord
  • Your rent and terms stayed the same after the sale
  • Nobody can tell you where your deposit is now

If Your Landlord Died Or The Company Closed

Your Landlord DiedYour tenancy carries on. The deposit should stay protected. Whoever deals with their estate is responsible for it.
A Company Landlord Was DissolvedGetting money back can be harder. Someone with a claim can ask a court to restore a dissolved company.

Not Sure Where Your Deposit Went?

Who to claim against can depend on the facts, so a solicitor checks. Start by learning how to check if your deposit is protected, or read can't find my deposit. See how much you could get and claiming after you move out.

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 Happens To My Deposit If My Landlord Sells The House?

It is usually passed to the new landlord. They have 30 days to make sure it is protected and tell you which scheme it is in.

Does My Tenancy End When The Property Is Sold?

No. Your tenancy carries on with the new owner, on the same terms and at the same rent.

The Old Landlord Kept My Deposit. Who Pays It Back?

Whoever is your landlord when the tenancy ends must return it, even if the old landlord never handed it over.

Can I Claim Compensation From The New Landlord?

Possibly, if they took over the deposit but did not protect it within 30 days. If the old landlord kept the money, the claim may be against them instead.

My Landlord Died. Is My Deposit Safe?

Your tenancy does not end. The deposit should stay protected, and whoever deals with their estate is responsible for it until someone inherits.

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 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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