One number governs: ten days from the tenancy ending (or the date both parties agree the deposit should repaid), subject only to agreed deductions. Everything after that is a breach with consequences - this page maps the timeline and the remedies.
Clock-pausers and clock-runners
The clock starts: end of the tenancy (or when the deposit should be returned per agreement). What legitimately pauses: an active scheme dispute over deductions (the disputed portion). What doesn't pause it: 'waiting for quotes', 'the cleaner hasn't invoiced', 'our accounts run monthly' - none of those extend the statutory duty. Keep your tenancy-end date documented (check-out inventory date, keys returned date).,
After the 10 days: the three remedies
1) Scheme process (custodial): single claim forces the landlord to object formally. 2) Adjudication: for contested deductions - free, document-driven, months. 3) County court claim: for pure withholding, with the 1-3x penalty if the deposit was late-protected or unprotected (separate but often combined claims). The site's letter builder drafts step 1 in minutes.,
Questions this page answers
When should you legally get a deposit back?
Within 10 days of the tenancy ending, for any amount you and the landlord agree is due. Where there's disagreement about deductions, the disputed part goes to the scheme's dispute service - but the agreed part should still move promptly. The 10-day clock starts at tenancy end (or the date the deposit arrangement is agreed), not at an arbitrary later date.
When should I receive my tenancy deposit back?
Same 10-day rule. If your landlord is processing a refund via a custodial scheme, the release follows the scheme's process once agreement exists; insurance-scheme landlords pay directly within the statutory window.
When should I receive my deposit back?
Same answer: 10 days from tenancy end for the agreed amount. Disputed deductions can extend the practical timeline via the adjudication route - but 'disputed' needs evidence, not just assertion.
When should I expect my deposit back?
Expect the statutory 10 days; expect delays (cleaning claims, damage disagreements) to trigger the DISPUTE process rather than silent holding. A landlord who neither returns nor initiates dispute processes is in breach - the compensation regime exists for exactly this.
Do you legally have to give a deposit back?
Landlords must return the deposit (minus evidenced deductions) within the statutory period. Withholding 'pending repairs' without following the scheme process is unlawful. Tenants who leave damage owe for it - through the deductions process, not by silent retention.