Getting your security deposit back promptly is one of the most common sources of friction at the end of a tenancy. Understanding the process and your rights helps you avoid delays.
When your tenancy ends and you hand back the keys, your landlord should contact both you and the deposit protection scheme (or contact you directly if using an insured scheme) to propose how the deposit should be split. If you agree with the proposal, the deposit is released within 10 days. If you disagree, either party can raise a deposit dispute through the scheme's free alternative dispute resolution service.
If your landlord simply doesn't respond or refuses to engage with the return process, contact the deposit scheme directly. The scheme can initiate the release process even without the landlord's cooperation, although the timescales may be longer.
If your landlord didn't protect your deposit at all, you can apply to the county court for its return plus compensation of one to three times the deposit value.
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