Getting your deposit back

UK The advice on this site is written for the United Kingdom, mainly England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules — use the official guidance for the nation you live in, starting with GOV.UK.

US Tenant and landlord law varies by state, and sometimes by city. For federal housing information see HUD’s tenant rights page, then check your state attorney general or housing department for the local rules.

Australia Tenancy law varies by state and territory. Start with the official body where you live: NSW Fair Trading (NSW Government renting guidance), Consumer Affairs Victoria, Queensland’s Residential Tenancies Authority, Consumer and Business Services South Australia, or Consumer Protection Western Australia. Other territories have their own tenancy authorities.

Canada Tenancy law varies by province and territory. Start with the official guidance where you live: Renting in Ontario: your rights, British Columbia’s Residential Tenancy Branch, Québec’s Tribunal administratif du logement, or Alberta’s information for landlords and tenants. For a national overview see CMHC’s landlord and tenant responsibilities. Other provinces and territories have their own tenancy authorities.

New Zealand Tenancy rules are set nationally. Start with official Tenancy Services guidance for tenants and landlords.

Ireland Start with the official Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). Citizens Information also explains renting in Ireland in plain English.

We may earn from shop links, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure

Most disputes at the end of a tenancy in England are about cleaning, damage and wear and tear. This page explains the official deposit-protection system, what is usually fair, and how to negotiate a deduction.

Your call

Go or no?

If it is a small, safe job that is yours to do, give it a go. We’ll point you to a beginner guide and a short shopping list. If you’d rather not, or the work needs a trade, say no and we’ll help you find someone local. If the job is the landlord’s, report it to them first.

Right then. Here’s a sensible starter kit, and links to the relevant guides.

No problem. We’ll show you how to find a local tradesperson.

This is about England

Most of what follows is written for private renting in England. It is general information, not legal advice, and it is not a ruling on your tenancy. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules — use the official guidance for the nation you live in. The country notes at the top of this page point to official starting points elsewhere too.

Your deposit should have been protected

In England, a deposit for an assured shorthold or, now, an assured periodic tenancy should be put in a government-approved protection scheme, and you should have been given the prescribed information. Official GOV.UK guidance on tenancy deposit protection explains the schemes and what to do if a deposit was not protected.

Fair wear and tear is not damage

A carpet worn by ordinary use, faded paint, or a loose screw on a handle is usually wear and tear. A burn, a broken door, or a stain that will not clean is more likely to be damage. You are usually responsible for putting right damage you, your household or your guests caused, not for making the home “brand new”.

Before you leave

Take dated photos, ideally matching the inventory from the start of the tenancy. Clean to the standard the agreement asked for. Fill small holes you made, if you can do it neatly — see Fill cracks in walls — and replace a bulb that has gone, rather than leaving a list of tiny jobs. Do not start a large decorating project in the last week unless it was agreed in writing.

If they want to deduct more than you think is fair

Ask for a breakdown, with quotes or receipts, not a round figure. You can negotiate, and if you cannot agree, the protection scheme has a free dispute process. Do not ignore a deadline from the scheme. Citizens Advice and the scheme’s own official pages walk through the steps.

Official guidance

These official and specialist pages are the best place to confirm the rules for your situation. We have used them as the starting point for this article.

GOV.UK: Tenancy deposit protection — how deposits must be protected in England
GOV.UK: Renters’ Rights Act overview for tenants — the current official tenant overview, including changes from 1 May 2026
Citizens Advice: Getting your deposit back — a clear, independent guide
Shelter England: Tenancy deposits — protection, deductions and disputes

FAQ

They want to recarpet the whole room for one stain.

Ask for a breakdown and a quote. A deduction should usually reflect the age and remaining life of the item, not a brand-new replacement in every case. Use the scheme’s dispute process if you cannot agree.

I never received deposit-protection information.

That can affect the landlord’s position. Read the official GOV.UK page and get advice promptly, especially if you are close to the end of the tenancy.

Can they keep money for cleaning if I already cleaned?

Only if the cleaning is genuinely below a reasonable standard, or the agreement set a clear, lawful standard that was not met. Photos help. A professional clean is not automatically required unless that was fairly agreed.

DIY guide and shopping list

For small, safe jobs that are yours to do, these beginner guides will walk you through it. Do not use them for gas work, the electrical installation, or a leak that is the landlord’s to fix.

Useful starting points: Unblock a sink, Fill cracks in walls, Reseal a bath, and Hang a curtain pole.

Prices below are typical UK ranges, shown so the page can convert them for your country. Always check the live product page before you buy.

Item	Why you need it	Typical UK price
Plunger or sink unblocking tool	Clears a simple blockage you have caused.	Typically £5–£12
Ready-mixed filler and a filling knife	Fills picture-hook holes and small dents.	Typically £5–£10
Sandpaper or a sanding block	Smooths dried filler so a touch-up will sit flat.	Typically £4–£8
Kitchen-and-bathroom silicone	For a failing bead you are allowed to renew, if the agreement says you can.	Typically £6–£12

Shop this list:

Would rather not DIY? Find a local tradesperson

If the job is yours but you would rather not do it, a local handyman or plumber can often deal with a small fix. If the job is the landlord’s, report it to them first — they may already have someone they use.

We may earn from shop links, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure

General guidance only. Check our disclaimer.