Skip to main content
Shelter Logo
England

Tenancy deposits

Advice on tenancy deposits, holding deposits and deposit protection rules.

Asked to pay a deposit?

Many landlords and agents ask for a tenancy deposit. This is sometimes called a security deposit.

Holding deposits

You pay a holding deposit to reserve a property while the landlord or agent does pre tenancy checks.

Only pay it if you want to move in. You might not get it back if you change your mind.

Read our guide to holding deposits.

Get your tenancy deposit back

You should get your deposit back when your tenancy ends unless your landlord has a reason to keep any of it. Our guides have letter templates to help you:

Tenancy deposit protection

Find out about the tenancy deposit protection rules for assured shorthold tenants:


Last updated: 14 May 2024