Deposit disputes

Getting your deposit back, or challenging deductions you don’t think are fair.

How we can help

Checking whether your deposit was protected in an approved scheme
Advising on the penalty where a landlord failed to protect it
Challenging deductions for cleaning, damage and fair wear and tear
Preparing evidence for the scheme’s adjudication process
Pursuing county court claims where adjudication isn’t available
Acting for landlords defending unjustified challenges

Your solicitor

Dean Smith

Dean SmithSolicitor

What happens next

Send us the tenancy agreement, inventory and the deductions claimed.
We advise on which deductions are defensible and which aren’t.
We put the case through adjudication or, where necessary, to court.

Fees for this work

Fixed fee for advice and for preparing an adjudication submission.

Common questions

My deposit wasn't protected. What now?

A landlord who fails to protect a deposit within the required period can be ordered to repay it and pay a penalty of between one and three times its value. This is one of the most commonly overlooked tenant rights.

Can they charge me for cleaning?

Only for cleaning beyond the standard the property was in at the start, evidenced by a proper inventory. General wear from ordinary living is not chargeable.

What counts as fair wear and tear?

Deterioration you would expect from normal use over the length of the tenancy, taking into account the number of occupants and the age of the item. Landlords cannot charge to replace a worn carpet with a new one.

How long does adjudication take?

Typically a few weeks once both sides have submitted evidence. It is free, and the adjudicator’s decision on the disputed amount is binding.

Tell us what's happened

Confidential, reviewed by a solicitor, answered within one working day.