What can a landlord keep from your deposit?
Leaving early or breaking your tenancy agreement
Your landlord should not keep your deposit unless you:
break your tenancy agreement
do something that costs them money
If you leave a rolling tenancy without notice
Most private tenants have a rolling tenancy. This is sometimes called a 'periodic' tenancy.
You will probably lose some or all of your deposit if you leave without ending your tenancy properly.
You can end a rolling tenancy either by:
agreement with your landlord
giving your landlord a notice to quit
You are responsible for rent until you end your tenancy one of these ways.
Get it in writing if your landlord agrees to let you leave early or at short notice.
Still need help?
Your deposit protection scheme offers free dispute resolution if you and your landlord cannot agree about the return of your deposit.
Last updated: 1 May 2026
