UK tenancy deposit schemes resolve disputes through a free alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process where both sides submit evidence and an adjudicator decides how the deposit is repaid. In custodial schemes, the scheme holds the money throughout. In insured schemes, the landlord/agent holds it but must transfer the disputed amount to the scheme.

Prescribed information is the written deposit-protection information a landlord or agent must give tenants within 30 days of receiving a tenancy deposit. It explains where the deposit is protected, how to get it back, when deductions may be made, and how disputes work. Missing prescribed information can strengthen a deposit compensation claim.

Wear and tear is normal deterioration from everyday living—landlords cannot deduct for it. Damage is deterioration caused by carelessness, negligence or misuse and can justify deductions if evidenced. Schemes consider factors like tenancy length, occupiers and item age/quality. If deductions look unfair, use the deposit scheme dispute process.

If your deposit was protected after the 30-day deadline, it can still count as a breach of the tenancy deposit rules. You may be able to claim compensation even if the landlord later protected the deposit. Start by confirming protection with the three approved schemes and gathering evidence of dates and paperwork.

The Renters’ Rights Act reforms begin in England on 1 May 2026. The changes include ending Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, moving most private tenancies to periodic contracts, limiting rent increases to a statutory process, banning rental bidding above the advertised rent, and restricting excessive rent in advance.

To check if your deposit is protected, first confirm you have an assured shorthold tenancy (AST), then search each of the three government-approved schemes (DPS, TDS and MyDeposits) using your postcode, surname, tenancy start date and deposit amount. If you cannot find it, request proof from your landlord or letting agent.

The story behind Awaab’s Law Awaab’s Law was introduced following the tragic death of Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old boy who died in December 2020 after prolonged exposure to black mould in his family’s flat in Rochdale. His death exposed serious failings in how social landlords respond to complaints about damp and mould, and it pushed […]

The story hitting headlines this week is a reminder that no landlord is above the law. Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, has admitted that her London property was rented out without the required landlord licence.

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is now law. This is one of the biggest shake-ups in renting for years and it’s designed to give tenants more protection, more fairness, and more security. Here’s what it means for you:  No more “no-fault” evictions – landlords can’t just ask you to leave without a valid reason.  No more […]

It doesn’t matter if you’re a first-time renter or have been renting for years — when it comes to your deposit, even small mistakes can cost you hundreds (or thousands) of pounds. In this article, we’re revealing the five most common — and costly — errors tenants make when it comes to their tenancy deposit […]