Claim Security Deposit

You owe rent. you've damaged the property - this could be something like a spill on the carpet or a mark on the wall where you've hung a picture. you've lost or broken some items from the inventory, like some cutlery or mugs.

You can use your scheme's 'alternative dispute resolution' (ADR) service to help you get your deposit back. You should use the ADR service if you can - it's free and easy to make a claim. You'll usually have to make your claim within 3 months of moving out of the property.

You'll need to contact your landlord at the end of your tenancy and ask them for your deposit. If your home is managed by a letting agency, you'll need to contact them instead. It's best to write or email when you ask for your deposit back - if you do, you'll have a record of when you asked for it.

The property has been damaged. the rent hasn't been paid. items are missing. the property needs to be cleaned. you left before the end of your tenancy.

5 Times a Landlord Does Not Have to Return a Tenant's Security Deposit. Breaking or Terminating a Lease Early. Nonpayment of Rent. Damage to the Property. Cleaning Costs. Unpaid Utilities.

A holding deposit can be retained if the tenant:withdraws from the property (unless the landlord has acted in such a way that the tenant couldn't reasonably be expected to wish to proceed with the tenancy); or. fails to take all reasonable steps to enter into a tenancy agreement.

The obligations of the contract work both ways so the business doesn't have to return your deposit if you change your mind. For example, if you paid a deposit to a shop to hold an item for you and you later decide you don't want the item, the shop may not be obliged to refund you your deposit.

Take all nails and screws out of the walls and ceiling and putty them smoothly. Dust the ceiling fixtures. Dust all ledges. Clean the windows. Clean the door knobs and doors. Clean all light switches and outlets. Clean the walls and baseboards.

Fill out the Request for Return of Security Deposit form (not interactive; you must print, then fill out the form). Send the form to your former landlord. Keep a photo-copy of the form for yourself. Hold on to the Return Receipt when it comes back in the mail.