End of Tenancy: A Timeline for Getting Your Deposit Back

Knowing the key dates and deadlines in the deposit return process is critical. Miss a deadline and you could lose your right to dispute. Here is the complete timeline, based on the rules of all three deposit protection schemes and the Housing Act 2004.

Day 0: Tenancy Ends

You hand back the keys and the tenancy officially ends. From this point, the clock starts on deposit return. According to Shelter England, your landlord should notify you of any proposed deductions within 10 days, though there is no strict legal deadline for this in England (Wales has separate rules under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016).

Days 1–10: Deposit Return or Deduction Notice

The DPS aims to return undisputed deposits within 10 days of both parties agreeing. If your landlord proposes deductions, they should provide an itemised list with evidence. If they do not, Citizens Advice recommends writing immediately to request a full breakdown.

Days 10–30: Negotiation Period

This is your window to challenge proposed deductions directly. Send a formal demand letter citing the specific reasons each deduction is unfair. Most disputes are resolved at this stage when the tenant presents a clear argument.

Days 30–90: ADR Window

If negotiation fails, raise a dispute with your deposit scheme. The TDS requires disputes to be raised within 3 months of the tenancy ending (though they recommend doing so as soon as possible). DPS and MyDeposits have similar windows. Once raised, both sides typically have 14 days to submit evidence. Our guide to the full dispute process walks you through each stage in detail.

Days 90–120: Adjudication Decision

After evidence submission closes, adjudicators typically issue their decision within 28 days. The decision is binding on both parties through the ADR process. Learn what to expect in our guide to deposit dispute adjudication.

6 Years: County Court Deadline

Under the Limitation Act 1980, you have up to 6 years to bring a county court claim for an unprotected deposit. For standard deposit disputes, the practical deadline is the 3-month ADR window, but claims for non-protection compensation can be brought much later. For a full overview of each stage, see our deposit return timeline.