Making a claim

How To Make A Deposit Claim Yourself

Send your landlord a letter before claim. If they do not settle, apply to the county court on form N208 and pay the court fee.

Calculate What You Could Claim

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N208the court form for a deposit claim
£387the court fee Shelter quotes to start
6 yearsthe usual time limit to claim

In Short

You can make a deposit claim without a solicitor. First send your landlord a letter before claim setting out what went wrong and what you want, and give them time to reply. If they do not settle, apply to the county court on form N208 and pay the court fee (£387 for this type of claim, unless Help with Fees reduces it). Keep proof of payment and your tenancy agreement.

The Do-it-yourself Route

  1. Write A Letter Before ClaimSend it to your landlord and any letting agent. Keep a copy and proof of sending.
  2. Give Them Time To ReplyCourt guidance says 14 days is usually reasonable. Citizens Advice suggests asking for a reply within 21 days.
  3. Fill In Form N208The Part 8 claim form. Say you claim under sections 213 and 214 of the Housing Act 2004.
  4. Pay The Court FeeOr apply for Help with Fees if you are on a low income.
  5. The Court Takes OverThe court sets the next steps. Your landlord can defend, and there may be a hearing.

What To Put In Your Letter Before Claim

  • Your name, the property address and the tenancy dates
  • The deposit amount and the date you paid it
  • What went wrong: not protected, protected late, or no paperwork
  • That you claim under section 214 of the Housing Act 2004
  • What you want, and how you worked out any amount
  • A clear date to reply by, and that you may go to court

Evidence To Gather

Tenancy AgreementPlus any renewals. It shows the dates, the landlord and the deposit.
Proof Of PaymentA bank statement or receipt showing when you paid the deposit.
Scheme Search ResultsPrintouts or emails from DPS, TDS and mydeposits showing what they hold, or do not.
Letters And EmailsAnything between you and your landlord or agent about the deposit or a scheme.

Doing It Yourself Or Using A Solicitor

Doing It Yourself
  • You keep the whole award
  • You pay the court fee up front
  • Help with Fees may reduce it
  • You prepare the forms and evidence
  • You risk your landlord's costs if you lose
No Win, No Fee Solicitor
  • Nothing to pay up front
  • Nothing to pay if you lose (terms apply)
  • Success fee up to 25% + VAT if you win
  • They write the letter and handle court
  • They deal with your landlord, not you

Which Route Suits You?

Both are fair choices. Doing it yourself suits people happy with forms and deadlines. Compare what a claim costs with a solicitor, check whether your deposit was protected, or estimate your award with our compensation calculator. Not sure you have a claim? Take our deposit check.

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

Can I Make A Deposit Claim Without A Solicitor?

Yes. You do not need a solicitor. You can write to your landlord yourself and, if they do not settle, apply to the county court on form N208.

How Long Should I Wait After My Letter Before Claim?

Court guidance says 14 days is usually reasonable in a simple case. Citizens Advice suggests asking for a reply within 21 days.

How Much Is The Court Fee?

Shelter says £387, the county court fee for non-money claims on the EX50 list. Citizens Advice says it depends on the amount, so check with the court before you file.

Can I Get Help Paying The Court Fee?

Possibly. Help with Fees can reduce or cover it if you get certain benefits or have a low income and limited savings. Apply online or on form EX160.

Do I Get The Court Fee Back If I Win?

Usually, yes. Shelter and Citizens Advice say you should get it back from your landlord if you win. If you lose, you do not get it back.

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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