How to get your deposit back

1. Read your lease before giving notice

Look for what it says about the deposit: how much, how and when it is returned, whether there is a check-out inspection, and what happens with unpaid bills. If it says nothing or you are unsure, look for a tenants’ union or a public housing or consumer advice service in your city: they often help for free.

In England and Wales, most deposits for assured shorthold tenancies must be protected in a government-approved scheme, and each scheme has a free dispute service (source: GOV.UK). What those schemes look for in photos is in move-in photos for a UK deposit dispute.

2. Give notice and ask for the check-out in writing

Send your notice by something that keeps a date. Suggest a day to walk the place together and ask to be told in writing if they find anything.

3. Hand the place back and document it

• Clean, and fix what you broke yourself if you can.
• Take the move-out photos in the same order and framing as the move-in ones (move-in and move-out checklist).
• Write down the meter readings and return the keys against a receipt or a message that says so.

4. Ask for the deposit in writing

A short, specific message with the handover date and how you want to be paid. You can adapt this one:

Hello [name]. On [date] I handed back the flat at [address] and the keys. Please return my deposit of [amount] by [payment method]. If you plan to deduct anything, please tell me in writing what and why, with photos or quotes. My move-in and move-out photos are here: [link]. Thank you.

5. If they deduct something

• Ask for the breakdown in writing: what is deducted, why, and how much.
• Put the move-in photo next to the move-out photo of the same spot.
• Separate damage from normal wear and tear: what to photograph about wear at move-in.
• Answer in writing, point by point, with your photos. Accepting what really is yours often unblocks the rest.
• Keep everything: messages, original photos, receipts.

6. If you cannot agree

What comes next depends on where you live: mediation, a deposit scheme’s dispute service, a housing or consumer office, or a small claims court. Before any formal step, ask a tenants’ union or a lawyer, above all so you do not miss a deadline.