How To Get Your Rental Deposit Back Every Time!

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Is my deposit protected?
https://www.tenancydepositscheme.com/...

https://www.depositprotection.com/ten...

https://www.mydeposits.co.uk/tenant/

Wear and tear:
https://www.mydeposits.co.uk/content-...

Timestamps:
00:00 - Why You Need to Watch This Video
00:23 - What is a Security Deposit
01:43 - Protecting your Security Deposit
03:09 - Gathering Evidence
04:41 - How to Raise a Dispute
06:18 - Fair Wear and Tear

If you are renting in the UK, you are almost certainly paying a security deposit. For most tenants, this is one of the biggest upfront costs when moving into a new flat or house. What many renters do not realise, however, is that there are strict legal rules around security deposits in the UK, and landlords have clear obligations they must follow. Knowing these rules and understanding your rights can make the difference between getting your full deposit back at the end of your tenancy or losing hundreds, even thousands, of pounds.

In this video, I break down everything you need to know about security deposits when renting in the UK. We start with the basics: what a security deposit is, how much you can expect to pay, and how it is different from a holding deposit. From there, we look at the legal framework. By law, your landlord must protect your deposit in one of the three official tenancy deposit schemes approved by the UK government: the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS), the Deposit Protection Service (DPS), or MyDeposits. Landlords are required to do this within 30 days of receiving the money and provide you with written confirmation of where your deposit is protected. If your landlord fails to do this, you may be entitled to compensation of up to three times the amount of your deposit.
I also explain the practical steps you can take during your tenancy to maximise your chances of getting your deposit back in full. This includes understanding the importance of the check-in inventory, taking your own photos of the property when you move in, keeping a record of maintenance issues in writing, and repeating the process with photos and notes when you move out. Having this evidence is critical because, in the event of a dispute, the burden of proof lies with the landlord, not with the tenant. Too many renters in the UK are unaware of this key point and end up losing money unnecessarily.
Another important issue we cover in this video is fair wear and tear. Many landlords attempt to deduct money from deposits for normal use of the property, such as minor scuffs on walls, faded carpets, or worn-out furniture. UK tenancy law is clear: tenants cannot be charged for fair wear and tear. Only actual damage caused by negligence or misuse can be deducted from your deposit. By understanding this distinction and knowing how to present your case, you can avoid unfair deductions.
If your landlord does try to keep part of your deposit and you do not agree with their reasoning, you do not have to accept it. You can challenge the deductions through your deposit protection scheme’s free dispute resolution service. This is an independent process where both sides submit evidence, and an impartial adjudicator decides the outcome. You do not need to hire a solicitor, and the service is binding on the landlord. In this video, I explain how to raise a dispute, what evidence is most effective, and how to approach the process with confidence.

Protect your finances by knowing your tenants rights and how to secure your security deposit return at the end of your lease. Understand your landlord responsibilities and the legal advice surrounding your rental agreement. Don't let unclear housing law leave you vulnerable!