Tenancy deposit complaint letter
If your landlord has not protected your deposit in a government-approved scheme, or has not returned your deposit after your tenancy ended, you have clear legal rights. This service generates a formal letter setting out what the law requires and what you are asking for. £9.99, and you can preview your letter before paying.
Who this is for
Tenants in England with an assured shorthold tenancy. Covers deposits that have not been protected, deposits not returned after the tenancy ended, and disputes over deductions.
What the letter covers
The letter references your landlord’s obligations under Sections 213 to 215 of the Housing Act 2004, which require deposits to be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days and prescribed information to be provided to the tenant and any relevant person. Where the deposit has not been returned, the letter sets a clear deadline. It outlines the potential penalties, including compensation of one to three times the deposit amount.
Example letter opening
I am writing regarding the tenancy deposit of [amount] paid at the commencement of my tenancy at [property address]. Under Section 213 of the Housing Act 2004, you were required to protect this deposit in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days of receiving it...
Your letter will be tailored to whether the deposit is unprotected, unreturned, or subject to disputed deductions.
Common questions
- Is this legal advice?
- No. Fix My Issue is a document preparation service. The letters are built from legally reviewed paragraph blocks, but this is not a substitute for legal advice. If your situation is complex, contact Shelter (0808 800 4444) or Citizens Advice.
- What if I do not know which scheme my deposit is in?
- You can check with the three government-approved schemes: the Deposit Protection Service, MyDeposits, and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. If none of them holds your deposit, it may not have been protected.
- What if my landlord has made deductions I disagree with?
- The intake form asks about deductions. If your landlord has withheld part of your deposit and you dispute the reasons, the letter challenges the deductions and requests a full breakdown.
- Can I see the letter before I pay?
- Yes. You complete the intake form, preview a summary of your letter, and only pay if you want the full version.
- What can I claim if my deposit was not protected?
- Under the Housing Act 2004, a court can order your landlord to pay compensation of between one and three times the deposit amount. The letter references this. Pursuing the claim itself requires court action, which is beyond the scope of this service.