A tenancy deposit is money you pay to a landlord or agent.

You usually pay it at the start of a tenancy.

It is your money. You should get it back when the tenancy ends unless there are problems.

For example:

• you owe rent

• you caused damage

You normally pay one deposit for the whole tenancy.

If you paid a holding deposit before you agreed to the tenancy, your landlord might ask if you want to use this money as part of your tenancy deposit.

Ask your landlord or agent to write on your tenancy agreement how much each person paid.

Ask for an inventory

Get an inventory when you move in.

It should show the condition of:

• each room

• any shared areas

Take photos and videos which clearly show the date. Label which room or area they show.

Deposit protection schemes

Your deposit must be protected if you have an assured tenancy. Most private renters are assured tenants.

Protected means your deposit is registered with a deposit protection scheme.

Deposits paid by joint tenants are often protected as a single deposit.

Your landlord or agent has 30 days from when you pay the deposit to:

• register it with a deposit protection scheme

• give written information about the scheme to the 'lead tenant' or all the joint tenants

Lead tenant

The deposit protection scheme can ask you to choose a lead tenant.

Your deposit is usually registered in the lead tenant's name. The scheme contacts them about the deposit when the tenancy ends.

You could ask your landlord to protect each person's share separately.

Has your landlord protected your deposit?

You can check your deposit is protected by searching the 3 deposit protection schemes.

Search under the lead tenant's name if you cannot find your deposit.

Choosing a lead tenant

Choose your lead tenant when you pay your deposit.

Ask your landlord or agent to register the deposit in that person's name.

If you do not choose a lead tenant:

• your landlord might choose one of you

• the scheme might only deal with the first person to contact them

Keep the lead tenant's contact details. You might need to contact them about the deposit after they move out.

If you replace someone who is leaving

Pay your share of the deposit to your landlord or agent.

It is harder to prove you paid your share if you give it to the tenant who is leaving.

Get an inventory

Ask for a new inventory before you sign a tenancy agreement.

Record any damage that was there before you moved in.

Get proof of your deposit in writing

Make sure your name and the amount you paid are recorded:

• on the tenancy agreement

• with the deposit protection scheme

Your landlord or agent must protect your deposit within 30 days from when you paid it.

Always ask for written information to confirm your deposit is protected.

Sign a new agreement

You and the other tenants should sign a new joint tenancy agreement with your landlord.

If you do not do this:

• you might find it hard to get your share of the deposit back

• it could mean you are a lodger instead of a tenant

Lodgers have fewer rights.

More on replacing someone in a joint tenancy.