Tenant deposit tool

Deposit dispute letter

Challenge deposit deductions with a structured letter that lists the disputed amounts, evidence, and the refund you are requesting.

Letter builder

Build your deposit dispute letter

Use this when a landlord or agent proposes deductions you do not accept, or has not explained deductions clearly.

Draft output

Your letter

Dear [Landlord or agent name],

Re: Deposit dispute for [Rental property address]

I am writing about the tenancy deposit of [Deposit amount] for the tenancy that ended on [Tenancy end date]. The deposit scheme details I have are: [Deposit scheme name].

I do not agree with the following proposed deductions:

[Deductions you dispute]

I dispute these deductions because:

[Why you dispute them]

My evidence includes:

[Your evidence]

Please return [Amount you want returned] by [Date you want a reply by] or provide a full written breakdown with invoices, inventories, check-in and check-out evidence, and photos relied on for each deduction.

If we cannot agree, I am prepared to raise a dispute through the relevant tenancy deposit protection scheme and provide the evidence listed above.

Yours sincerely,

[Your name]

Practical workflow

How to use this tool well

The draft is strongest when it is backed by dates, amounts, agreement wording, and evidence. Work through these steps before sending it.

1

Identify the scheme protecting your deposit and check its dispute deadline.

2

Separate deductions you accept from deductions you dispute.

3

Ask the landlord for invoices, photos, and inventory evidence for every deduction.

4

Raise a formal scheme dispute if the landlord will not return the undisputed amount or justify deductions.

What a deposit dispute letter should do

A strong deposit dispute letter narrows the disagreement. It should identify each deduction, state whether you accept or reject it, explain why, and ask for the evidence the landlord relies on.

Do not argue only in general terms. Deposit scheme adjudicators usually decide based on documents: inventories, dated photos, check-out reports, invoices, and correspondence.

Use the scheme, not just email

GOV.UK says tenancy deposit protection schemes offer a free dispute resolution service if landlord and tenant disagree about the deposit. There can be time limits, so contact the scheme as soon as possible if the dispute is not moving.

The letter is useful before a formal dispute because it may resolve the issue and shows that you asked for the right evidence. It is not a substitute for starting the scheme process where a deadline applies.

Fair wear and tear

A deposit is not there to make the property better than it was at the start of the tenancy. Age, ordinary use, and the original condition all matter. Your evidence should show the condition at move-in and move-out so deductions can be judged fairly.

Frequently asked questions

Can a landlord deduct for cleaning automatically?

A landlord should be able to show the property was returned below the required standard and that the deduction is reasonable. Check the inventory, cleaning clause, and photos from both ends of the tenancy.

What if my deposit was not protected?

GOV.UK says you may be able to apply to the county court if your deposit was not protected in an approved scheme. Write to the landlord or agent before making a claim and get advice.

Should I accept the undisputed amount first?

Often yes. Ask for the undisputed amount to be returned while the disputed deductions are considered. Check the scheme process so you do not accidentally close your dispute.

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