Tenancy deposit dispute (England & Wales)

When to use this

Use this letter when your tenancy has ended (or is ending) and you disagree with your landlord or agent about how much of your protected deposit should be returned — for example deductions for cleaning, damage or rent that you think are wrong or unsupported.

Your landlord or agent must normally protect a money deposit in a government-approved scheme (in England this covers most private tenancies, which became assured periodic tenancies from 1 May 2026; in Wales it covers occupation contracts) within 30 days of receiving it and give you the prescribed information. The schemes in England and Wales are the Deposit Protection Service, MyDeposits and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. If the deposit was not protected when it should have been, a county court can order repayment or payment into a custodial scheme and may order the landlord to pay you up to three times the deposit. This letter is for disputing deductions, not for bringing a protection claim — if your deposit was never protected, get free help (see our free legal help page). Sources: https://www.gov.uk/tenancy-deposit-protection and https://www.gov.uk/deposit-protection-schemes-and-landlords/if-you-dont-protect-your-tenants-deposit

What to keep

• Your tenancy agreement and any inventory / check-in and check-out reports
• Photos or videos of the property (dated if possible)
• Proof the deposit was protected and which scheme holds it
• Rent statements and correspondence about the proposed deductions
• A copy of this letter and proof of sending (email receipt or recorded delivery)

This is a template only. Adapt it to your facts. It does not guarantee any outcome. Free Legal Advice UK is not a law firm and does not give advice on your situation. See free legal help.

Letter

[Your full name]
[Your address]
[Your email / phone]

[Date]

[Landlord or letting agent name]
[Their address]

Subject: Tenancy deposit — [property address] — dispute about proposed deductions

Dear [Landlord / Agent name],

I was the tenant at [property address] under a tenancy that ended / is ending on [end date]. My deposit of £[amount] was protected with [scheme name: Deposit Protection Service / MyDeposits / Tenancy Deposit Scheme] under reference [scheme reference].

You have proposed retaining £[amount] of the deposit for:
[List each proposed deduction and amount, e.g. cleaning £X; damage to door £Y].

I do not agree with those deductions for the following reasons:

1. [Reason 1 — e.g. The check-out report does not support this deduction / fair wear and tear / I left the property clean]
2. [Reason 2]
3. [Reason 3]

I enclose copies of: [inventory; photos; receipts; emails].

Please confirm in writing within [14 days / other reasonable period] that you will return £[amount you say is due] to me by [bank transfer details or preferred method], or set out clearly any remaining dispute so the deposit scheme’s free dispute resolution can be used.

If we cannot agree, I intend to raise a formal dispute with the tenancy deposit scheme that holds the deposit.

Yours faithfully,

[Your signature]
[Your printed name]

General information for England & Wales only. Not legal advice. Checked 30 October 2026.

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