Skip to main content

Is your landlord withholding your deposit unfairly?

We force landlords to return deposits AND get you compensation

- or - Call 0151 515 6880
New home keys - tenancy deposit and rental property services
REVIEWED ON
60+ Reviews
40+ Years
Legal Experience
100%
No Win No Fee
1,500+ Clients
Trust Us
<1 Hour
Initial Response Time

Tenancy deposit claims made simple

Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face serious legal consequences. We ensure they return your money and pay additional compensation.

Deposits Returned, Not Excuses

We don't negotiate. We use legal powers to force landlords to return wrongfully withheld deposits.

Up To 3x Compensation

Get up to 3 times your deposit amount if it wasn't properly protected by your landlord.

No Win, No Fee Promise

Zero upfront costs. We only get paid when you get your deposit back and compensation.

Specialist Deposit Team

Dedicated solicitors who understand tenancy deposit protection law and regulations inside out.

Complete Documentation

We handle all paperwork, evidence gathering, and legal proceedings for you.

Fast Action

Time limits apply to deposit claims. We act quickly to secure your money while you're still eligible.

The UK deposit scandal

Millions of deposits are wrongfully withheld every year. The statistics reveal the scale of landlord non-compliance

3x
Maximum Penalty
Times your deposit if not properly protected
30
Days Legal Limit
For landlords to protect your deposit
£2,500
Average Recovery
For successful deposit compensation claims
6
Years Time Limit
To claim compensation for unprotected deposits

Don't let your landlord keep what's rightfully yours

Ready to get your deposit back and claim compensation?

Don't let landlords keep your money illegally. You have legal rights that protect your deposit. Let us enforce those rights and get you the money you deserve.

Call 0151 515 6880

Tenancy Deposit Claims - Your Questions Answered

Get expert answers to the most common questions about making a tenancy deposit claim in the UK

How much compensation can I get if my deposit wasn't protected?

You can claim between 1-3 times your deposit amount as compensation:

  • 3x deposit: If never protected at all
  • 2-3x deposit: If protected very late (months after deadline)
  • 1-2x deposit: If protected a few days/weeks late

This is on top of getting your actual deposit back. So if your £1,000 deposit wasn't protected, you could receive up to £3,000 compensation plus your £1,000 deposit = £4,000 total.

Important: You have up to 6 years from the end of your tenancy to claim this compensation.

How do I know if my deposit was properly protected?

Your landlord should have given you written proof within 30 days of taking your deposit.

You can check yourself by searching the three approved schemes:

  • Deposit Protection Service (DPS): 0330 303 0030
  • MyDeposits: 0333 321 9401
  • Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS): 0300 037 1000

Red flags your deposit may not be protected:

  • You never received any deposit protection paperwork
  • Your landlord can't tell you which scheme protects it
  • The schemes have no record of your deposit
  • Protection documents came more than 30 days after you paid

Can my landlord charge me for professional cleaning?

Only if the property was professionally cleaned before you moved in.

The law states you must return the property in the same state of cleanliness as when you moved in, allowing for fair wear and tear.

Common cleaning scams landlords use:

  • "Professional standard" trap: Demanding professional cleaning when none was done initially
  • Excessive rates: Charging £200+ for cleaning that should cost £60-80
  • Whole property charges: Charging full cleaning cost for minor issues in one room
  • Uncheckable receipts: Providing fake or inflated cleaning invoices

Always ask: "Was this property professionally cleaned before I moved in?" If not, you only need to clean it to a domestic standard.

What's the difference between damage and normal wear and tear?

You're only responsible for actual damage, not normal deterioration over time.

✓ Normal Wear & Tear (NOT your fault)

  • Light scuff marks on walls
  • Carpet worn thin from walking
  • Paint faded from sunlight
  • Small nail holes from pictures
  • Furniture indents in carpet
  • Minor scratches on floors

✗ Tenant Damage (Your responsibility)

  • Large holes in walls
  • Red wine stains on carpet
  • Cigarette burns anywhere
  • Broken fixtures or fittings
  • Excessive dirt requiring deep cleaning
  • Damage from pets (if not allowed)

Key factors considered:

  • Length of your tenancy (longer = more wear expected)
  • Number of occupants (families cause more wear than singles)
  • Age and quality of items when you moved in
  • Whether you reported problems to your landlord

How long do I have to claim back my deposit?

It depends on what type of claim you're making:

  • Deposit scheme disputes: Must be started within 3 months of tenancy ending
  • Court claims for unprotected deposits: Up to 6 years from tenancy end
  • Challenging unfair deductions: Up to 6 years, but sooner is better

Important deadlines:

  • Landlords must return agreed amounts within 10 days
  • You have 90 days to start a deposit scheme dispute
  • Earlier action is always better - evidence stays fresh and landlords take you more seriously

Don't wait: The sooner you act, the stronger your case becomes. Contact us immediately if you suspect problems with your deposit.

Will taking legal action affect my rental references?

No - it's illegal for landlords to give bad references for legitimate legal claims.

Your rights are protected:

  • Landlords cannot give unfair references as "revenge" for legal action
  • References must be factual and fair
  • You can sue for defamation if they give malicious references
  • Many tenants successfully claim deposits without any reference problems

Practical considerations:

  • Most cases settle before court, maintaining good relationships
  • New landlords rarely contact old ones directly
  • Your legal action shows you know your rights (many landlords respect this)
  • Standing up for yourself often leads to quicker, fairer treatment

Remember: You have legal rights that exist specifically to protect tenants. Using these rights is normal and legitimate.

Still Have Questions About Your Deposit Claim?

Every tenancy deposit case is unique. Get personalised legal advice about your specific situation with a free, no-obligation consultation.

Call us now: 0151 515 6880