Emergency guide
My landlord won't give my deposit back
A deposit that is late or disputed can start a few time limits: some from the day you move out, and some from the day a message from your landlord or, in the UK, your deposit scheme reaches you. This page lists what to do today, the dates that may be running in each country, who to call and words you can use. The dates on your own papers always come first.
General information, not legal advice. Rules depend on where you live. If you have a letter, notice or form with a date on it, get advice before that date passes.
Checked 10 October 2026 · re-check due 10 January 2027 · To keep a copy, use your browser’s print or share menu.
First: are you safe?
If anyone is in danger now, call 911 in the US or 999 in the UK. If this has you thinking about ending your life, call or text 988 in the US, or call Samaritans on 116 123 in the UK, at any hour. If your landlord is threatening you, has locked you out or has taken your things, call 911 or 999 if you are in danger. If you are locked out and not in danger, go now to the guide 'I got an eviction notice or court papers': it covers being locked out. If the lost deposit leaves you with nowhere to sleep tonight or no food in the house, call 211 in the US. In England, Scotland and Wales, call your council's homelessness team; in Northern Ireland, call the Housing Executive on 03448 920 908, at any hour. In the UK, a food bank needs a voucher first: Trussell, below, says how to get one.
Today
- UK: if your deposit scheme has written to you about your deposit, answer it today, even if only to say you do not agree. If you say nothing, the scheme can pay your landlord what they asked for. Check your email, spam folder and post.
- Write down three dates: the day you paid the deposit, the day your tenancy ended, and the day you moved out. The clocks below count from one of them. The dates on your own papers come before any date on this page.
- If your tenancy has ended, ask for your deposit back in writing today, by email or text, so there is a date on it. Give your new address and bank details, and ask for the reason for any deduction. A script is below.
- US: ask your state's tenant-rights agency or legal aid how many days your landlord has and what they must send you.
- US: send your landlord your new mailing address in writing, and keep a copy.
- UK: find out which approved scheme holds your deposit; your landlord should have told you. If you are not sure, check with the schemes for your nation, below. Give the scheme your new address and email, so its messages reach you.
- Gather your proof in one folder: the tenancy agreement, the check-in inventory (the list of what was in the home and its condition), photos and video from moving in and out, receipts for cleaning, and every message with your landlord.
- Keep paying your rent to the end, unless your landlord agrees in writing that the deposit can cover the last month. In the UK, unpaid rent can be taken from a deposit (Citizens Advice, gov.wales, mygov.scot and nidirect all say so). In the US, your state decides.
- Ask what each deduction is for and how it was worked out, in writing, with a quote or receipt. A landlord cannot charge for normal wear and tear (the small marks that come from living there normally): Citizens Advice and mygov.scot say so. Housing Rights says a deduction should fit what was lost.
- If your landlord does not answer, or you cannot reach them, tell your scheme (UK). It can contact them for you, and may release your deposit if they stay silent. A script is below.
- If your deposit was never put in a scheme, was put in late, or you were never told where it is, and you have moved out, you can claim: the clocks below show the court in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and the tribunal in Scotland.
- If you still live there, ask a free adviser before you raise an unprotected deposit with your landlord or a court. In England and Wales, while your deposit is unprotected your landlord usually cannot get a court to evict you; once the deposit is protected, repaid or settled, they can. A free adviser can tell you what that means for you. Northern Ireland: ask Housing Rights first.
- Before you start a free dispute with your scheme, gather all your proof: some schemes give you very little time to send it once you start. In England and Wales, GOV.UK says the decision is final.
The clocks that have started
Deadlines that can start when this happens, soonest first. Your own letters give your dates; when two dates could apply, count from the earlier one. The details of each are on the page online; its address is at the bottom.
Deadlines that can start when this happens, soonest first. Tap one to see when it starts and what happens if you miss it. Your own letters give your dates; when two dates could apply, count from the earlier one.
Jump to: United States · United Kingdom
In the United States
US: your state sets how fast your landlord must return your deposit: ask in writing, and ask your state's tenant-rights agency for your numberAsk your state's tenant-rights agency or legal aid for your number today: no single number applies to every US landlord, and your state, and sometimes your city, decides how many days your landlord has to return your deposit or send you a list of what they keptUnited States (set by each state)
- Starts
- the day you move out and hand back the keys. Ask your state agency which day starts the count; to be safe, count from the earlier of the day you leave and the day your lease ends. Send your landlord your new mailing address in writing the same day, and keep a copy
- If missed
- if the date passes with no deposit and no list, ask your state agency or legal aid what your state lets you do next, including whether it adds a penalty when a landlord is late. Do not assume either way, and do not use a number from another state
- It lets you
- ask your landlord in writing for your deposit and for an itemised list (a written list of what was kept and why), and keep a copy. USAGov says to find help from your state agency that addresses tenant rights, and says that depending on your state you may find links to your attorney general or housing agency, your state's tenant rights handbook, and more. Legal aid can tell you how your state's small claims court works and by when you must file
Where this differs: Every state is different and some cities add their own rules: the amount a landlord may take, the number of days, interest, and penalties. Do not copy a number from a website that does not name your state. If your apartment is in a building that HUD insures or assists, see the HUD clock. For a voucher home or public housing, ask your housing agency as well. Even HUD's own handbook, for the buildings it assists, sets its rule 'subject to state and local laws' and gives way to a shorter state or local time.
Checked 10 October 2026 at USAGov (US General Services Administration)
US, HUD-assisted apartment buildings only: the owner has 30 days after you move out to refund your deposit or send you a list30 days after your move-out date, or sooner if your state or city law gives a shorter time.United States (federal rule)
- How long
- 30 days after your move-out date, or sooner if your state or city law gives a shorter time. Write to the owner the day you move out, give your new address, and ask for your deposit
- Starts
- the day you move out. HUD says the owner counts 30 days after the move-out date, or a shorter time if your state or city requires it. To get a refund you must give the owner a forwarding address or arrange to pick the refund up (HUD handbook paragraph 6-18 A)
- If missed
- write to the owner with the dates, then ask your housing agency, HUD's Multifamily Housing Complaint Line or legal aid for help. HUD says its steps do not stop you using your rights under state and local law
- It lets you
- ask for the full deposit plus the interest it has earned, or for an itemised list of unpaid rent, damage to the unit and the estimated cost to repair, with a statement of your rights under state and local law. HUD says that if the owner does not give you the list, you are entitled to a full refund of your deposit plus accrued interest. If you disagree about the refund, HUD says you have the right to present your objections to the owner in an informal meeting
Only if your building gets HUD rental help tied to the building, such as project-based Section 8 or Section 202 or 811 housing. Not for a voucher, public housing or a building HUD only insures: use the state clock.
Where this differs: Only for an apartment building that gets HUD rental help tied to the building, such as project-based Section 8 or Section 202 or 811 housing. HUD's handbook says it does not apply to public housing, Housing Choice Vouchers or unassisted market-rate buildings, including one HUD only insures: for those your state's rule applies (see the state clock). For a voucher home or public housing, your housing agency can tell you more. A few HUD programs (RHS 515 properties with Section 8, and Section 8 LMSA and PDSA properties) are exempt from some of these steps, such as the forwarding address notice, the itemised list and the meeting: ask the HUD complaint line which applies to your building
Checked 10 October 2026 at HUD (US Department of Housing and Urban Development), Occupancy Handbook 4350.3, chapter 6
In the United Kingdom
England: if your landlord or your scheme asks whether you agree to a deduction, answer in writing within 14 daysAnswer in writing within 14 days, counting the day you got the notice as day 1.England only
- How long
- Answer in writing within 14 days, counting the day you got the notice as day 1. Say whether you accept, how much you accept, and that you want the free dispute service for the rest. This is the rule when the scheme holds your deposit (a custodial scheme)
- Starts
- the day you receive a written notice from your landlord or your deposit scheme asking whether you accept that your landlord should be paid all or part of your deposit. The law counts that day as day 1. Give your landlord and your scheme your new address and email the day you move out, so a notice can reach you
- If missed
- your landlord can ask the scheme for the money with a statutory declaration once your tenancy ended at least 14 days ago, if you did not answer their notice or they have no address for you. The scheme then sends you a notice, and the law says that if you do not answer it within 14 days of getting it, the scheme must pay your landlord the amount claimed. If that has happened, ask Citizens Advice or Shelter straight away whether you can still claim the money in the small claims court
- It lets you
- keep the money where it is until it is settled: the law says that if you answer that you do not accept, the scheme must not pay the amount claimed to either of you except by agreement, an adjudicator's decision or a court's. If you say no but do not answer the question about the dispute service, you are treated as agreeing to use it. The same law works for you: once your tenancy ended at least 14 days ago, if you have no way to contact your landlord, or you wrote to them after your tenancy ended asking whether they accept that you should be paid, and they did not answer within 14 days, you can ask the scheme for your deposit with a statutory declaration (a signed statement of the facts, witnessed by a solicitor; Shelter says the solicitor can only charge £5)
Where this differs: England, for a deposit that the Deposit Protection Service, mydeposits or the Tenancy Deposit Scheme holds (a custodial scheme). The Deposit Protection Service says either side can start this process when the other has not answered a repayment request after 14 days. If your landlord holds the deposit (an insured scheme), see the scheme clock. Wales uses the same three schemes: answer by the date in your scheme's or landlord's message, and ask the scheme what applies to you. Scotland and Northern Ireland: see their clocks
Checked 10 October 2026 at Housing Act 2004, Schedule 10 (legislation.gov.uk)
England: your deposit is due back within 10 days of agreeing the amount, so ask for it in writing the day you leave10 days from the day you both agree the amount: GOV.UK says your landlord must return your deposit within 10 days of you both agreeing how much you will get back.England only
- How long
- 10 days from the day you both agree the amount: GOV.UK says your landlord must return your deposit within 10 days of you both agreeing how much you will get back. If nothing has been agreed, write on the day you move out and ask for it
- Starts
- the day you and your landlord or letting agent agree how much you will get back. A message that states the amount is a record of it. If you have not agreed an amount yet, this clock has not started: write and ask for your deposit
- If missed
- your landlord is late. Ask your scheme to step in, or start a court claim; the scheme clock has the time limit for the free dispute service. If you stop paying rent to make up for the deposit, Shelter England says your landlord can keep your deposit to cover the rent
- It lets you
- chase in writing when it is late. If your landlord does not reply at all, or you cannot reach them, ask your scheme to step in. Shelter says that if the scheme holds the deposit (custodial), you can ask for a full refund once your tenancy ended at least 2 weeks ago and either you cannot contact the landlord or you wrote at least 2 weeks ago and had no reply: the scheme sends you a form called a statutory declaration (a signed statement of the facts) that a solicitor witnesses, and Shelter says the solicitor can only charge £5. The scheme then gives your landlord 2 weeks to reply, and refunds you in full if they do not. If your landlord holds the deposit (insured), Shelter says to tell the scheme if there is no reply or refund within 10 days of your asking
Where this differs: England only. Wales: gov.wales says it usually takes 5 to 10 days for your landlord to return your deposit. Scotland and Northern Ireland: see their clocks. GOV.UK says your landlord must protect your deposit in a scheme if you rent on an assured periodic tenancy (a private tenancy with no fixed end date), and that these replaced assured shorthold tenancies (the older kind of private tenancy) on 1 May 2026. Citizens Advice says you might still have an assured shorthold tenancy if your landlord gave you a section 21 or section 8 eviction notice before 1 May 2026, and that a lodger or a student in halls may not need their deposit protected. If your council or a bond scheme paid your deposit, Citizens Advice says you probably will not get any money back from it: ask your council
Checked 10 October 2026 at GOV.UK (tenancy deposit protection)
England and Wales: if you cannot agree, ask your deposit scheme to settle it within 3 months of moving outStart your claim with the scheme within 3 months of moving out: Citizens Advice says that is the usual limit.England and Wales
- How long
- Start your claim with the scheme within 3 months of moving out: Citizens Advice says that is the usual limit. If mydeposits holds your deposit, start within 90 days of the day the release was started. Write to your landlord or agent on the day you leave to ask for your deposit back. mydeposits and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme say that when your landlord holds the deposit (an insured scheme), you must first have asked your landlord in writing and given them 10 days to answer, so send that request early and start the dispute well before the 3 months end
- Starts
- the day you moved out, or the day your tenancy ended if that was earlier: count from the earlier one. If mydeposits holds your deposit (custodial), it counts 90 days from the day the release was started, which can be sooner. For a deposit your landlord holds (insured), mydeposits counts three calendar months from the day you move out or the day your deposit becomes unprotected, whichever is sooner, and gives this example: move out on 5 May, last day 4 August. The Tenancy Deposit Scheme counts 3 months from the end of the tenancy
- If missed
- the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and mydeposits say they cannot consider a dispute that arrives after the 3 months, so the free route may be closed. A court claim may still be open: Citizens Advice says that if your landlord refuses to use the free service you can take them to the small claims court, and that you may have to pay some court costs and, if you lose, your landlord's costs. Ask Citizens Advice or Shelter the same week. The Deposit Protection Service's tenant pages give no time limit: do not count on there being none
- It lets you
- use your scheme's free dispute service: both you and your landlord are asked for evidence, and an independent adjudicator (a person who decides it) makes a decision. GOV.UK says you do not have to use the service, but if you do, you and your landlord both have to agree to it, and the decision about your deposit is final. If you cannot contact your landlord, GOV.UK says you can raise a dispute with the scheme to get your deposit back, and the scheme will refund it if the dispute service agrees. If you agree about part of the deposit, Citizens Advice says you usually get that part back in about 10 days. Once you and your landlord agree how much you will get back, GOV.UK says your landlord must return it within 10 days; in Wales, gov.wales says it usually takes 5 to 10 days
Where this differs: England and Wales. GOV.UK says: there may be a limit on the time you have to raise a dispute, so contact the scheme as soon as possible. The limit is each scheme's own rule. mydeposits: three calendar months from the day you move out or the day your deposit becomes unprotected, whichever is sooner, for a deposit the landlord holds (insured), and within 90 days of the release starting for a deposit mydeposits holds (custodial). Tenancy Deposit Scheme, insured: 3 months from the end of the tenancy. If your deposit was never put in a scheme, see the court clock for your nation instead. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own schemes and clocks. Citizens Advice Wales gives the same 3 months (its page was last reviewed on 1 December 2022)
Checked 10 October 2026 at Citizens Advice (England)
England and Wales: when your scheme asks for your evidence, send everything by the date in its messageSend everything by the date in the scheme's message: schemes give different times.England and Wales
- How long
- Send everything by the date in the scheme's message: schemes give different times. The Deposit Protection Service gives you 14 calendar days from the date of its email. mydeposits, for a deposit it holds (custodial), asks both sides to confirm final evidence within 5 working days; for a deposit your landlord holds (insured), you send your evidence when you start, and then have 3 working days to comment on your landlord's evidence. Open the scheme's message and your online account now and write the date down
- Starts
- the day the scheme sends its message asking for your evidence. Count from the day it sent the message, not the day you read it
- If missed
- GOV.UK says the decision made about your deposit is final, and Citizens Advice says you will not be able to challenge it. The Deposit Protection Service says that when the window closes the dispute and the evidence sent are passed to the adjudicator, and mydeposits says that once evidence is confirmed no more can be added, and that for a deposit your landlord holds it cannot accept more evidence after your 3 working days to comment
- It lets you
- send photos of how the home looked when you left, your check-in and check-out inventories (the lists of what was in the home and its condition), receipts such as one for professional cleaning, and the letters or emails about problems you reported that should have been fixed. Citizens Advice says that if you are not sure whether some evidence helps, send it anyway. The adjudicator decides from the evidence that both sides send
Where this differs: England and Wales. The times belong to each scheme; the Tenancy Deposit Scheme's was not found on its own pages, so use the date in its message. Scotland and Northern Ireland: see their clocks, which give their schemes' evidence times and how to ask for a review. The date in your scheme's own message always comes first
Checked 10 October 2026 at GOV.UK (tenancy deposit protection)
England: if your deposit was not protected, was protected late, or you were not given its details, you can ask a county court for compensationUp to 6 years after your landlord broke the deposit rules, Citizens Advice says, and you can claim before or after your tenancy ends.England only
- How long
- Up to 6 years after your landlord broke the deposit rules, Citizens Advice says, and you can claim before or after your tenancy ends. If you still live there, talk to Shelter or Citizens Advice before you claim or settle: see below. Write to your landlord first: the court expects you to try to settle. Ask for a reply by a date you name; Citizens Advice suggests 21 days
- Starts
- the day your landlord broke the rules. GOV.UK says your landlord or letting agent must put your deposit in a scheme within 30 days of getting it, and must give you the scheme details (the 'prescribed information') in the same 30 days. Count from the day you paid the deposit to be safe: that is earlier than the day the rules were broken
- If missed
- a claim made after 6 years may be out of time: ask Citizens Advice or Shelter. Citizens Advice says you have to go to court to get any compensation. A court order is not the same as being paid: Citizens Advice says that if your landlord does not pay what you are owed you might have to take further action, and points to GOV.UK
- It lets you
- claim in your local county court on form N208 (you do not need a solicitor). Write on the form that you claim 'under S213-214 of the Housing Act 2004 (non-compliance with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme)'. GOV.UK says the court can order your landlord to repay the deposit, or pay it into a scheme, within 14 days, and can order them to pay you up to 3 times the deposit within 14 days of the order; Citizens Advice says 1 to 3 times. There is a court fee, which GOV.UK says you can claim back if you win, and you can ask for money off it if you get certain benefits or have a low income. Ask the three schemes (Deposit Protection Service, mydeposits, Tenancy Deposit Scheme) by email to confirm that your deposit is not protected, or was protected late. If you still live there: the Housing Act 2004, as changed on 1 May 2026, says a court may make a possession order (an order to evict you) only if your deposit is held in a scheme and you were given the scheme details, except on some grounds for antisocial behaviour or crime. That stops applying once your deposit is returned, or a court claim about it is decided, withdrawn or settled. Citizens Advice says that if you got an eviction notice, check whether your landlord followed the deposit rules: if not, you might be able to delay your eviction (see the eviction guide). Citizens Advice also says to still go to the hearing if your landlord protects or repays the deposit before it: you should still get compensation
Where this differs: England only. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland: see their clocks. Not every deposit has to be in a scheme: Citizens Advice gives a lodger and a student in halls as examples. GOV.UK says assured periodic tenancies replaced assured shorthold tenancies on 1 May 2026; Citizens Advice says you might still have an assured shorthold tenancy if your landlord gave you a section 21 or section 8 eviction notice before that date. Citizens Advice says a court expects you to have tried to negotiate first
Checked 10 October 2026 at Citizens Advice (England)
Wales: if your deposit was not put in a scheme, or you were not given its details, you can ask a county court for compensationIf you have moved out, claim as soon as you can: neither gov.wales nor Citizens Advice Wales gives a time limit, so ask Shelter Cymru or Citizens Advice Wales how long you have.Wales
- How long
- If you have moved out, claim as soon as you can: neither gov.wales nor Citizens Advice Wales gives a time limit, so ask Shelter Cymru or Citizens Advice Wales how long you have. If you still live there, talk to one of them before you claim: Citizens Advice Wales says it might be best to wait until your contract ends. Write to your landlord first and ask for a reply by a date you name: Citizens Advice Wales suggests 21 days
- Starts
- gov.wales says your landlord has up to 30 days to comply with the requirements of the deposit scheme and give you the information about how your deposit is protected. Count from the day you paid the deposit
- If missed
- no time limit is given, so do not assume your claim is lost; ask Shelter Cymru or Citizens Advice Wales. If your contract has not ended: Citizens Advice Wales says you cannot be evicted with a no fault notice while your deposit is not protected properly or the information was not given, and that once your deposit is protected and the information given, your landlord could give you a no fault notice. That is why waiting may be better: talk to an adviser before you claim during your contract
- It lets you
- claim in the county court. Citizens Advice Wales says that if your contract ended on or after 1 December 2022 you could get back 1 to 3 times the deposit if your landlord did not protect your deposit at all, did not give you the information about it, or did not meet the scheme's first requirements. If your contract ended on or before 30 November 2022, the rules your landlord should have followed depend on when it ended: ask an adviser. Ask each of the three schemes (Deposit Protection Service, mydeposits, Tenancy Deposit Scheme) by email whether it holds your deposit. If your contract has not ended, or ended on or after 1 December 2022, Citizens Advice Wales says to claim online with Money Claim Online on GOV.UK, or on form N1, and to write that you claim 'under Schedule 5 of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 regarding Deposit Schemes'
Where this differs: Wales only. Your home is rented under an 'occupation contract' (the Welsh name for a tenancy). Citizens Advice Wales says a lodger with no occupation contract, or a protected tenant, may not need their deposit protected. If your deposit is protected but your landlord will not return it, see the scheme clock instead. England, Scotland and Northern Ireland: see their clocks
Checked 10 October 2026 at Welsh Government (gov.wales)
Scotland: when your scheme asks if you agree with the deductions, answer it, or your landlord gets them30 working days to confirm if you agree or not, mygov.scot says.Scotland
- How long
- 30 working days to confirm if you agree or not, mygov.scot says. Working days leave out weekends and public holidays, but do not wait for the last one: answer as soon as you have decided
- Starts
- the day your deposit scheme tells you that your landlord has asked to keep part of your deposit. Count from the day the scheme sent its message, not the day you opened it. Check your email and spam folder, and ask the scheme if you have heard nothing: mygov.scot says that after your landlord tells the scheme about deductions, the scheme contacts you
- If missed
- your share of the deposit stays in the scheme and your landlord gets the deductions they ask for, mygov.scot says. If that has happened, ask Shelter Scotland or a Citizens Advice bureau straight away whether you can still claim the money another way
- It lets you
- agree, or disagree and use the scheme's free dispute service: mygov.scot says an independent adjudicator looks at evidence from you and your landlord and decides how much you get back, and that if your landlord cannot prove why they should make deductions, you get the full deposit back. mydeposits Scotland says you then have 14 calendar days to send your evidence, and 10 working days after the decision to ask for a review, only on the ground that the adjudicator made a mistake of fact or law. You do not have to wait for your landlord: mygov.scot says that once you move out you can tell the scheme your tenancy has ended and ask for your deposit back, and that if your landlord does not contact the scheme, the scheme will return your deposit in full within 30 days unless the landlord contacts it and wants to make deductions
Where this differs: Scotland only. mygov.scot names three approved schemes: Letting Protection Service Scotland, mydeposits Scotland and SafeDeposits Scotland. The 30 working days are set in law (the Tenancy Deposit Schemes (Scotland) Regulations 2011), so they are the same for all three, counted from the day the scheme wrote to you. Landlords who live with you, family landlords and a few other cases do not have to use a scheme (see the tribunal clock for the list). England, Wales and Northern Ireland: see their clocks
Checked 10 October 2026 at mygov.scot (Scottish Government)
Scotland: if your deposit was not protected in time, or you were not told where it is, apply to the tribunal within 3 months of your tenancy endingApply up to 3 months after your tenancy ends, mygov.scot says; you can also apply during your tenancy, and it is free.Scotland
- How long
- Apply up to 3 months after your tenancy ends, mygov.scot says; you can also apply during your tenancy, and it is free. Do not wait: apply as soon as you know your deposit was not protected, or was protected late
- Starts
- the day your tenancy ended; if you moved out before that, count from the day you moved out, to be safe. mygov.scot says your landlord must protect your deposit in a scheme within 30 working days of the tenancy starting, and must tell you in writing, within 30 days of the tenancy starting, about the scheme and your deposit
- If missed
- mygov.scot gives no later date for this route. Ask Shelter Scotland or a Citizens Advice bureau straight away whether another route is open to you
- It lets you
- apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) using form G (General Private Tenancies Application) and rule 103, and send a copy of your tenancy agreement with it. mygov.scot says the tribunal can order your landlord to protect your deposit if you still live there, to return it if you have moved out, and to pay you compensation of up to 3 times the deposit. There is no cost to apply. The law (the Tenancy Deposit Schemes (Scotland) Regulations 2011) lets you apply if your landlord missed any of these duties, and says your scheme must tell you about the tribunal if your deposit was paid in late. Applying is free, but the tribunal's own FAQ says it does not enforce its orders: if your landlord does not pay, you pay sheriff officers to enforce the order
Where this differs: Scotland only. mygov.scot says your landlord does not need to use a scheme if they return the full deposit within 30 working days of the start of the tenancy, they live in the property with you, they are a family member (not a cousin), the property is supported accommodation, you have an agricultural or crofting tenancy, it is subject to a control order, you are a religious organisation, or you are on holiday in a short-term let. If your deposit is protected but your landlord will not return it, see the scheme clock instead. England, Wales and Northern Ireland: see their clocks
Checked 10 October 2026 at mygov.scot (Scottish Government)
Northern Ireland: answer your scheme within 30 days, and start any dispute before 3 months have passed since you moved out30 days to agree or disagree with the amount when the scheme asks, nidirect says, for a deposit the scheme holds (a custodial scheme).Northern Ireland
- How long
- 30 days to agree or disagree with the amount when the scheme asks, nidirect says, for a deposit the scheme holds (a custodial scheme). For a dispute, nidirect says each scheme sets its own time limit and you can use the dispute service only after you leave the property. mydeposits Northern Ireland says a dispute about a deposit your landlord holds (insured) must be sent within 3 months, minus one day, of moving out or of the deposit being unprotected, whichever is the earliest. Do not wait: ask your scheme for its limit now
- Starts
- the day your deposit scheme contacts you about repaying your deposit, or the day you ask it to repay your deposit: count from the earlier one. For a dispute, count from the day you moved out, or the day your tenancy ended if that was earlier
- If missed
- nidirect does not say what happens if you do not answer a custodial scheme, so answer anyway and ask the scheme in writing what its time limit is. If your landlord did not protect your deposit within 28 days of getting it, or did not give you written information within 35 days, nidirect says you can tell your council's Environmental Health Office, and that a council can fine the landlord up to three times the deposit and a court up to £20,000. nidirect does not say that money is paid to you. Housing Rights warns that contacting the council may lead to the risk of retaliatory eviction (a landlord ending the tenancy because you tried to enforce your rights): speak to a Housing Rights adviser first if you are worried and still live there
- It lets you
- disagree and ask the scheme to send it to the free dispute service. mydeposits Northern Ireland says that for a deposit your landlord holds, you have up to 10 working days from when you submit the dispute to send your evidence: have it ready before you start. nidirect says the scheme must first be satisfied that you and your landlord tried to sort it out; that when a tenant asks for a referral the scheme will refer the case even if the landlord does not agree; and that an independent adjudicator decides within 20 working days. Either side can ask for a review within 10 working days of the decision, but only if the adjudicator made a mistake in the law or did not consider the evidence; after a review the decision is final. If you agree the amount, nidirect says the scheme must repay you within 5 working days. You can take court action instead: nidirect says that can take a long time. If your deposit was never in a scheme, Housing Rights says the way to get your money back is small claims court, that you should allow your landlord up to 28 days after your tenancy ends to return it, and that you should write to ask for it, give a date for a reply, and keep a copy before you claim. You do not need a solicitor
Where this differs: Northern Ireland only. nidirect names two schemes: Tenancy Deposit Scheme Northern Ireland and My Deposits Northern Ireland. The rules cover deposits paid on or after 1 April 2013. nidirect says a student in a hall of residence under a licence is not covered. Tenancy Deposit Scheme Northern Ireland's own time limit for a dispute was not found: use the 3 months to be safe. England, Wales and Scotland: see their clocks
Checked 10 October 2026 at nidirect (Northern Ireland Government)
Who to call
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In the United States
if the lost deposit leaves you unable to pay rent, buy food or find somewhere to stay: say 'my landlord has not returned my deposit and I need help with rent or a place to stay'. 211 gives information and referrals, not money
Call 211 · 24/7 in most areas
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- a few facts about your current living situation
- any income you have
- the children or other dependents who live with you
They may ask
- about your current living situation
- about any income you have
- about any children or other dependents who live with you
They can
- connect you to local help with rent, mortgage, utilities, food and health care
- talk to you by phone; some local 211s also offer text and web chat, so check yours
- use 180 languages on request
- give you other ideas if you do not qualify for one program: you can call again
They cannot
- give you money themselves: 211 is the number for information and referrals to services
- help in a life-threatening emergency: call 911 first if you or someone you love is in one or may be a danger to someone else
free legal help in your state: ask how your state's deposit rules work and how to take a landlord to small claims court. The site starts by asking you to choose your state
lawhelp.org · Online
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- the state or territory where you live: the site starts by asking you to choose it
They can
- send you to legal aid and other low-cost legal help near you
- give you legal help guides, including one on court fees and getting them paid
- help you create legal documents for free in areas such as housing, with LawHelp Interactive
They cannot
- give legal advice or take your case itself: it sends you to legal aid and other help in your state
Legal Services Corporation — Find Legal Aid
finds the legal aid office for your area: ask whether it can help with a deposit dispute, and if not, who can. Legal aid is usually based on income
lsc.gov · Website, any time
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- an address or a city: the finder uses it to show the legal aid organization that covers your area
They can
- show you the LSC-funded legal aid organization for your area, with its phone number and website, for a civil legal problem
- point you to LawHelp.org for information about your legal questions and free legal forms
They cannot
- take every case: LSC's own study says the legal aid groups it funds turn away about half of the requests they get, for lack of resources. If the first office cannot take your case, ask it who else can help
- give you legal advice itself: LSC pays for legal aid organizations, and you contact the one for your area
if you do not know which state office handles landlord disputes: call and ask. USAGov's tenant rights page says to find help from your state agency that addresses tenant rights
Call 1-844-872-4681 · Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Eastern Time (except federal holidays)
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- what you want to know, in a sentence or two: for example, which document you lost, or which state office handles your problem
They can
- talk with you live and answer your question about federal benefits, services and programs
- direct you to the agency that can help, if they cannot answer it themselves
They cannot
- take your personal details: the page says not to share personal information like phone or Social Security numbers
- answer outside Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, or on federal holidays
The page gives no wait time. Calls may be monitored for quality assurance.
HUD Multifamily Housing Complaint Line
if HUD insures or assists your apartment building: ask whether HUD's deposit rules cover your building, and report an owner who has not refunded your deposit or sent you a list
Call 1-800-685-8470 · Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Eastern
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- the building's name and address
- the dates you reported the problem to management
- photos if you have them
They can
- explain how to report the problem to building management more effectively
- answer questions about residents' rights
- refer you to your local housing agency or another organisation
In the United Kingdom
Northern Ireland Housing Executive (homelessness)
if you have nowhere to sleep tonight in Northern Ireland: call the Homelessness Line on 03448 920 908. After 5pm, at weekends and on bank holidays it is the emergency out-of-hours service
Call 03448 920 908 · Homelessness line in normal working hours, plus an emergency out-of-hours service after 5pm, at weekends and on bank holidays
Before you call: what to have ready
They may ask
- about your situation, in a housing solutions interview and homeless assessment with a Housing Advisor
They can
- put you through to a Housing Advisor in your local office in normal working hours, who looks at your housing options and any need for temporary accommodation
- give you advice about homelessness free: the Housing Executive must make sure it is available free to everyone
- help out of hours, after 5pm, at weekends and on bank holidays, if you have nowhere safe to stay and need emergency accommodation
They cannot
- promise you somewhere to stay: they might need to offer you somewhere, but that depends on your circumstances
if there is no food in the house: find your nearest food bank. You need a food voucher first, from a local organisation; the page says how to get one
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- how many adults and children the parcel is for, and the ages of any children: volunteers check these from your voucher
- any dietary requirements: say so when you get your voucher so the food bank can prepare
They may ask
- the community organisation that gives you a voucher asks about your individual needs, so it can help you find the right support
They can
- help you find your nearest food bank
- give an emergency food parcel with at least three days of meals once you have a food voucher from a local community organisation
- sometimes provide pet food and essentials such as toiletries and period products, where they can
- sometimes offer extra support, such as debt advice or a trained Citizens Advice adviser
- sometimes deliver food parcels: ask when you get your voucher, or contact the food bank
They cannot
- give you a parcel without a food voucher: you need a referral first
- usually give you a voucher online: you will usually need to contact a community organisation by phone or in person, and in some cases the food bank directly
England and Wales, if your deposit is held by the Deposit Protection Service: ask for it to be released, or start a dispute. If you cannot reach your landlord, ask about the statutory declaration route. Monday to Friday, 8am to 6.30pm
Call 0330 303 0030 · Monday to Friday, 8am to 6.30pm
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- your online account login: you use it to start a repayment, ask for a statutory declaration or submit evidence
- your bank details, so it can pay any deposit due to you
- for a repayment: whether you have completed the check-out with your landlord or letting agent, and agreed whether you will give them any of your deposit
They can
- pay any money due to you within 7 working days once you and your landlord have confirmed how a deposit it holds should be repaid
- contact your landlord or letting agent for you, using the details it holds, if you cannot reach them; if they do not respond, you can give a statutory declaration to tell it to release the deposit
- run its free Dispute Resolution Service: it emails you when it is time to submit your evidence, and you then have 14 calendar days from the date of that email
They cannot
- answer by phone, email or live chat outside Monday to Friday, 8am to 6.30pm
The page gives no phone wait time. Its page says a dispute can take up to seven weeks to reach an outcome.
England and Wales, if your deposit is held by mydeposits: ask for it to be released, or raise a dispute. Your reference starts DPC if your landlord holds it, and DPN or EWC if mydeposits holds it
Call 0333 321 9401 · Phone: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. Live chat: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- your deposit reference, which starts DPC (landlord holds it) or DPN or EWC (mydeposits holds it)
- your certificate number, to raise a dispute about a deposit your landlord holds (an insured scheme): its page says you need it to get started
- proof of your written request for your deposit back, for an insured dispute: its page says it will require it
- your tenancy agreement and your check-in and check-out report, to upload for a custodial dispute
They can
- return a deposit it holds within five working days if you and your landlord or agent both agree the amount
- release a deposit it holds if your landlord or agent does not answer your release request: after 14 days it invites you to start a single release, with a signed statutory declaration witnessed by a solicitor, commissioner of oaths or magistrate, uploaded through your portal; once that is approved your landlord or agent has a final 14 calendar days to respond, and if they do not, it releases the deposit in line with your request
- run a free resolution service when you and your landlord cannot agree
They cannot
- take a dispute about an insured deposit until you have paid your rent in full, met the contractual obligations, formally requested your deposit back from the member, and allowed 10 calendar days to pass: its page says so
- answer the phone outside Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm
Its support page says it is experiencing high volumes of calls, live chats and emails.
England and Wales, if your deposit is held by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme: ask for it to be released, or raise a dispute after you have asked your landlord in writing and waited for a reply. The number shown is for a landlord-held (insured) deposit: if TDS holds it (reference starts EW), call 0300 037 1001
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- your case-sensitive TDS Tenancy Certificate Code, to raise an insured dispute
- the date you asked your landlord or letting agent for your deposit back: for an insured dispute, TDS says you must have given them at least 10 days to respond
They can
- take an insured dispute online: you complete the dispute forms online and do not submit evidence at that stage
They cannot
- consider an insured dispute sent more than 3 months after the end of the tenancy: its page says it is unable to consider your case
- adjudicate an insured dispute until you have tried to resolve it directly with your landlord or letting agent: its page says so
Citizens Advice (Adviceline, England)
free help in England with a deposit dispute, the scheme's forms or a court claim: Citizens Advice says to contact your nearest office for help filling in the court form and witness statement
Call 0800 144 8848 · Usually 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Not available on public holidays.
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- your postcode if you call from a mobile: if you do not have one, say one nearby such as a GP surgery, takeaway shop or taxi company
They may ask
- your postcode, from a mobile, to find your local Citizens Advice
They can
- connect you to your local Citizens Advice (Adviceline, England)
- talk to you by online chat: Universal Credit claims 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, debt 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9:30am to 1pm Saturday
- help with a new Universal Credit claim through Help to Claim, free and confidential, from the application to the first payment
- take Relay UK calls (18001 then 0800 144 8848)
They cannot
- answer on public holidays: Adviceline is not available then
- cover all of the UK on this number: it is for England, Wales has a separate Advicelink line, and there are a few parts of England not yet covered
- help everywhere: most local Citizens Advice can only help if you live or work in their area
Usually busiest at the start of the day. At busy times you might wait up to an hour, and a call not answered within an hour is disconnected, so try again later. Calls are free from mobiles and landlines.
Shelter England's website has step-by-step advice on getting your deposit back, with a letter template. Its helpline is for people who are homeless or may lose their home soon, weekdays only: it gives advice, not beds, so for tonight call your council
Call 0808 800 4444 · Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. Closed weekends and bank holidays.
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- if you need an interpreter, the language you need: tell your adviser at the start, and they can get an interpreter on the call, which takes a few minutes
They can
- give you advice if you are homeless, have nowhere to stay tonight, are at risk of abuse or harm at home, or are worried about losing your home in the next 2 months
- help through webchat, or by textphone or an app through Relay UK, if you are deaf or have a speech impairment
They cannot
- provide accommodation: they give advice only
- advise outside England: Shelter England advises on English housing law only, and points to Shelter Scotland and Shelter Cymru
- answer weekends or bank holidays: the helpline is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm
The helpline is in high demand and you might wait over an hour at busy times. Your call will be answered unless you are still in the queue at 5pm, when the service closes. Try again if you cannot get through.
LawWorks free legal advice clinics (England and Wales)
England and Wales, if you cannot get legal aid and cannot afford a lawyer: find a free legal advice clinic near you, for problems such as housing. A clinic usually gives a short first appointment and basic advice on what to do next; some have waiting lists, so do not wait on one if a date is close
lawworks.org.uk · Online finder. Each clinic sets its own opening times.
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- your postcode, city or town, and the area of law your problem is in, to search the finder
- documents about your problem: LawWorks has a guide, arranged by area of law, to the documents that are useful to bring
They may ask
- you to meet that clinic's own eligibility rules, which its page on the LawWorks site sets out
They can
- show you free legal advice clinics near you, which you can search by area of law
- give you, at a clinic, 30 minutes to an hour to explain your problem and basic advice on next steps
- offer advice face to face, by phone, by email or online, depending on the clinic
They cannot
- give you legal advice or representation itself: independent clinics give the advice, not LawWorks
- help if you can get legal aid or can afford a lawyer: the clinics are for people who cannot get legal aid and cannot afford to pay
- take on your case at every clinic: clinics are often only able to give initial advice
- promise you a place: some clinics have waiting lists or close to new enquiries, and are frequently unable to take people facing an urgent legal deadline
Citizens Advice Cymru (Advicelink Wales)
the same help in Wales
Call 0800 702 2020 · Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm. Saturday 9am to 1pm.
Before you call: what to have ready
They can
- connect you to an adviser through Advicelink (Wales) on 0800 702 2020, free from mobiles and landlines
- talk to you by online chat about any other kind of problem, usually 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday
- take Relay UK calls: 18001 then 0800 702 2020
- point you to the Citizens Advice consumer service for problems with energy, water or post
They cannot
- answer on public holidays: Advicelink is not available then
- help you in person if you live outside your local office's area: most local Citizens Advice can only help if you live or work in their area
Usually busiest at the beginning and end of the day. At busy times you might wait up to an hour, and a call not answered within an hour is disconnected, so try again later.
Wales: gov.wales names Shelter Cymru and Citizens Advice for free advice on getting your deposit back. Use its online chat or an advice centre; its phone line is for people who are homeless or may be soon, weekdays only. For tonight, call your council
Call 08000 495 495 · Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm
Before you call: what to have ready
They can
- give housing advice on the urgent helpline, 08000 495 495, 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday
- chat with an adviser through webchat, or point you to an advice centre near you
- point you to its advice pages on homelessness and sleeping rough, and its housing advice for people under 25
They cannot
- give you a bed: Shelter Cymru says it does not have any shelters or kitchens for people who are street homeless
- answer outside 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday
The site warns of a high volume of calls and chats and a possible delay in reply. Try again if you cannot get through, and use the website's housing advice pages meanwhile.
Scotland, if your deposit is held by SafeDeposits Scotland: check what it has sent you about deductions and answer by the date in its message
Call 03333 213 136 · Monday to Friday, 8am to 10pm, except bank holidays
Before you call: what to have ready
They can
- answer questions about returning your deposit and about deposit disputes in its tenant help centre
- take an enquiry by email: its page says one of its specialists will respond shortly
- return your deposit in full within 30 days if you ask the scheme yourself and your landlord does not contact it: mygov.scot says this of the Scottish schemes
They cannot
- answer the phone outside Monday to Friday, 8am to 10pm, or on bank holidays
Scotland, if your deposit is held by mydeposits Scotland: answer the scheme's message about deductions; you can also ask for your deposit back yourself once you have moved out
Call 0333 321 9402 · Phone: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm. Live chat: Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- your contact details and your payment details: it asks you to confirm both when you respond to a release request or start one
- your online account, to respond to or start a release and to raise a dispute
They can
- return the deposit to the relevant parties within five working days if you agree with the release request
- take your dispute through its free process: your landlord or agent has 14 calendar days to give evidence, you then have 14 calendar days, your landlord or agent then has seven calendar days to respond to your claim, and the adjudicator decides within 20 working days
- accept a request for a review within 10 working days of the decision, but only if the adjudicator made a mistake of fact or law
They cannot
- answer the phone outside Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm
Letting Protection Service Scotland
Scotland, if your deposit is held by the Letting Protection Service: answer the scheme's message about deductions; you can also ask for your deposit back yourself once you have moved out
Before you call: what to have ready
They can
- answer questions through its virtual agent, Shona, on its Help page
- point you to quick links to check that your deposit has been protected and to request a new 'Repayment ID'
Citizens Advice Scotland (Scottish Citizens Advice Helpline)
free advice from a local bureau in Scotland: ask about the scheme's request on deductions and about the tribunal
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- your postcode: the page finds your local Citizens Advice Bureau by postcode
They can
- put you through to an adviser at your local bureau by phone on 0800 028 1456, the Scottish Citizens Advice Helpline
- give free, confidential and impartial advice, and help you work out next steps
- raise a complaint with an energy supplier for you through its Extra Help Unit, if you may be considered vulnerable or at risk of disconnection
- give advice online, on its advice pages
Shelter Scotland's advice pages cover deposits and the tribunal for an unprotected deposit. Its online chat is for housing problems where you have somewhere to stay, Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm; for tonight, call your council
Call 0808 800 4444 · Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Closed on bank holidays.
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- if you need an interpreter, tell the adviser at the start of your call; for a British Sign Language interpreter, use Contact Scotland BSL
They can
- give you advice on your rights and options if you are homeless or about to become homeless, you are being evicted or forced out of your home, or the council has refused to help
- give advice if you have nowhere safe to stay, are sofa surfing, or you or someone you live with is vulnerable
- offer online chat if you have more questions
They cannot
- offer accommodation
- help if you are not in Scotland: Shelter Scotland sends people in England or Wales to Shelter England or Shelter Cymru
- answer on bank holidays: the helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, and closed on bank holidays
They cannot always answer right away. Check their housing advice pages while you wait. Calls are free from UK landlines and most mobile networks.
Housing and Property Chamber (First-tier Tribunal for Scotland)
the tribunal for an unprotected deposit in Scotland: mygov.scot says you apply on form G and it costs nothing. Staff cannot give legal advice: get that from Shelter Scotland or Citizens Advice
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- your tenancy agreement (for a deposit application the tribunal asks for a copy)
- for repairs: copies of the letters or emails you sent your landlord to report the repairs, and photos or other evidence
- for a deposit: the dates your tenancy started and ended, and what you paid and when
They can
- take a repairs application on form A, at no cost
- take an application about an unprotected tenancy deposit on form G, at no cost
They cannot
- give legal advice about your case
- enforce its own payment orders: its FAQ says that if an order needs enforcing, the person who got it pays sheriff officers to do it
Tenancy Deposit Scheme Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland, if your deposit is held by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme Northern Ireland: ask for it to be repaid, or ask for a dispute, and ask the scheme for its time limit now
Call 0300 037 3700 · Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, except bank holidays
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- your Certificate Code or Deposit Account Number: its online enquiry form asks for it
- whether your deposit is insured (your landlord or agent holds it) or custodial (TDS holds it): its online enquiry form asks
- the tenancy address and post code: its online enquiry form asks for them
They can
- take an enquiry about raising a dispute, an update on a dispute already sent, or a repayment request (custodial), through its online form
- take your evidence through its online evidence portal, which you reach through your online account
They cannot
- answer the phone outside Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or on bank holidays
Its contact page says it is currently experiencing high contact volume and asks you to bear with it.
Northern Ireland, if your deposit is held by mydeposits Northern Ireland: ask for it to be repaid; a dispute about a deposit your landlord holds must reach the scheme within 3 months, minus one day, of your moving out or of the deposit becoming unprotected, whichever is earlier
Call 0333 321 9403 · Phone: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm on its support page (its dispute page gives 8am to 7pm for the call to tell it about an insured dispute). Live chat: Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm
Before you call: what to have ready
Have ready
- your evidence: for a deposit your landlord holds (an insured scheme), you have up to 10 working days from when you submit the dispute to provide it
- your online account, if mydeposits holds your deposit (a custodial scheme): you raise the dispute there
They can
- take a dispute about a deposit your landlord holds (an insured scheme) by phone
- run a free dispute process for a deposit it holds (a custodial scheme) through your online account: the landlord or agent has 10 working days to provide evidence, then you have 10 working days, then the landlord or agent has seven working days to respond to your claim
- have an adjudicator decide within 20 working days
- accept a request for a review within 10 working days of the decision, but only if the adjudicator made a mistake of fact or law
Housing Rights (Northern Ireland)
Northern Ireland: ask before you contact your council about an unprotected deposit: Housing Rights warns that doing so may lead to the risk of retaliatory eviction. Its site covers getting your deposit back, and it runs a free mediation service for private tenants and landlords
Call 028 9024 5640 · 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday
Before you call: what to have ready
They can
- speak to a housing adviser on 028 9024 5640, Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm, if you live in Northern Ireland and need housing advice
- chat online with the helpline advisers, using the pop-up on the site; if they are not available they get back to you by email
- take your housing problem through an online form, and get back to you by email
- help solve disputes in private rented tenancies with their Housing Mediation Service
They cannot
- give advice through the general contact form: that form is for general, non-advice queries only, and advice goes through the helpline, chat or advice form
- see you at their Belfast office without notice: call first to make an appointment
Say it this way
Change anything to your own words.
Hello, my tenancy at [address] ended on [date] and I moved out on [date]. Please return my deposit of [amount] to [bank details]. [UK only: Which deposit scheme holds it, and what is the reference?] My new address is [address]. If you plan to keep any of it, could you tell me why, with proof, by [date]? Thank you.
Thank you for your message dated [date]. I do not accept these charges yet. Please tell me what each is for and how you worked out the amount, with photos, a quote or a receipt. Please send me the part we agree on now. If we cannot agree, I will ask a free adviser or my deposit scheme.
Hello. My deposit reference is [number]. I moved out on [date]. [You wrote to me on [date] about deductions: I do not accept them, and I agree to use your free dispute service. / My landlord has not replied to my request of [date].] What do you need from me, and by what date? Please confirm in writing.
I paid a deposit of [amount] on [date]. I have not been told which scheme protects it. Please confirm in writing which scheme holds it and send me the certificate, or return my deposit. I understand a court can order compensation when a deposit is not protected. I would prefer to settle this by agreement. Could you reply by [date]?
Not for you if…
This guide is for someone who rents, or rented, from a private landlord or letting agent and whose deposit has not come back or is being cut. It is not for a lodger who lives with the landlord, a student in halls, or someone who rents from a council, a housing association or the Housing Executive: the rules may differ, so ask Citizens Advice, Shelter or Housing Rights. If your council or a bond scheme paid your deposit, Citizens Advice says you probably will not get money back from it: ask your council. If you have an eviction notice or were locked out, see 'I got an eviction notice or court papers'. If your home was unsafe, see 'My home is unsafe and my landlord won't fix it'. If your landlord has taken you to court over rent or damage, see 'A debt collector is chasing me, or I got court papers about a debt'. Get a free adviser, not just this page, if you still live there and your deposit was never protected, if your landlord says you owe more than the deposit, if a scheme says you are too late, if you are asked to sign away your claim, if a tribunal or court date is set, or if you are in Northern Ireland and want to go to court. In the US, your state decides most of this: ask your state agency or legal aid.
A different emergency? Account frozen or closed · Behind on mortgage · Benefits stopped · A car accident · Car repossessed or towed · Bullied at school · Suspended or excluded from school · Help at school · Council tax or rates · Debt collector or court papers · Sent home from hospital · Eviction notice · Flood, fire or storm · Health cover ending · Unsafe home · Hurt at work · Paid a scammer · Lost my job · Lost wallet or phone · A medical bill · No money for food · Nowhere to sleep · Parking or traffic fine · Shutoff notice · Someone died · Stalking, harassment or shared pictures · Someone is missing · Identity theft · Stranded away from home · A tax bill · Told to leave home · Pay being taken · Wages not paid
From the library
How do I get my security deposit back?