Final rent payments and getting your deposit back

If your tenancy is coming to an end, there are a few important things to sort before you move out.

From your final rent payment to getting your deposit back, here’s what to expect, plus guidance on how to avoid delays or disputes.

Pay your final rent correctly

Make sure you pay your final month’s rent in line with your tenancy agreement.

• Pay your rent as normal until your tenancy ends
• Don’t leave your last rent payment to be taken from your deposit
• If you pay by standing order, remember to cancel it once your final payment has cleared

How getting your deposit back works

Your deposit should be protected in a government-approved scheme.

At the end of your tenancy:

• Ask your landlord or letting agent to return your deposit
• They may propose deductions and explain why
• You’ll agree on how much should be returned

Once you’ve both agreed the amount, your landlord must return your deposit within 10 days.

If there’s a disagreement, your deposit will remain protected in the scheme until the issue is resolved.

What can be taken from your deposit

Your landlord can only keep part of your deposit if there’s a valid reason.

For example, they may make deductions if you:

• haven’t paid your rent
• have outstanding bills
• have damaged the property
• haven’t met the terms of your tenancy agreement

Any deductions must relate to real costs or losses.

What you need to do to get your deposit back

To get your deposit returned in full, you’ll need to:

• meet the terms of your tenancy agreement
• pay your rent and bills
• avoid causing damage to the property

If you don’t, your landlord may keep some of the deposit to cover costs.

If you don’t agree with deductions

If you and your landlord can’t come to an agreement:

• you can use your deposit protection scheme’s free dispute resolution service
• both sides will be asked to provide evidence
• the scheme will make a final decision

What happens if your deposit isn’t returned

If you can’t get your deposit back:

• contact the tenancy deposit scheme your landlord used
• they can help resolve the issue
• you may be able to take further action if needed

Final checklist before you move out

• Pay your final rent on time
• Cancel any standing orders
• Leave the property in line with your tenancy agreement
• Make sure bills are paid
• Request your deposit back

FAQs

• How long does it take to get my deposit back?

  Once you and your landlord agree how much should be returned, your deposit must be paid back within 10 days.

• Can my landlord use my deposit to cover my final rent?

  You should still pay your final rent as normal.

  Your landlord can only keep money from your deposit if you don’t meet the terms of your tenancy, such as to cover unpaid rent or damage to the property.

• What can my landlord take money from my deposit for?

  Your landlord can only keep part of your deposit if there’s a valid reason, such as:

  • unpaid rent or bills
  • damage to the property
  • not meeting the terms of your tenancy

  These deductions must relate to actual costs or losses.

• What is ‘fair wear and tear’?

  Fair wear and tear is normal use of the property over time.

  If you meet your tenancy terms, don’t damage the property, and pay your bills, you should get your deposit back in full.

• What happens if I don’t agree with a deduction?

  If you disagree with your landlord:

  • your deposit stays protected in the scheme
  • you can use the scheme’s free dispute resolution service
  • both sides will be asked to provide evidence

  The scheme will make a final decision.

• What happens if my landlord won’t return my deposit?

  If you can’t get your deposit back, contact your tenancy deposit scheme – they can help resolve the issue or dispute.