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England

Return of a lodger deposit

Your landlord does not have to protect your deposit in a scheme if you're a lodger.

If a landlord who you lived with refuses to return your deposit when you move out, you might have to go to the small claims court to get your money back.

Return of your deposit

A tenancy deposit is your money. It should be returned to you when you move out at the end of your tenancy.

Your landlord can make reasonable deductions from your deposit. For example if you owe rent or cause damage.

Consider court action

If your landlord will not return your deposit, you can ask a county court to settle the dispute.

The court will look at all the evidence and decide if your landlord should return all or part of your deposit.

Find out about going to court to get your deposit back.

Rights of lodgers

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Last updated: 26 June 2023

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