DPS
The Deposit Protection Service - the deposit can be held by the scheme (custodial) for free.
Renting Advice
Getting your deposit back in Wales
Your deposit is your money, and most of it should come back. Here's where it's held, what a landlord can and can't keep, and how to challenge an unfair deduction for free.
It's your money
Every deposit in Wales must be held in a government-approved scheme, and you're entitled to all of it back unless there's a genuine reason to deduct. Landlords can take money for unpaid rent or real damage - but not for the normal wear of living somewhere. And if you disagree with a deduction, you can challenge it for free, without going near a court.
The single most important step you can take to protect your deposit starts on day one. Go through the check-in inventory carefully, note every existing mark, stain or scuff in writing, and take timestamped photographs of every room before you unpack. Keep copies of these — in email, cloud storage, or both — for the entire tenancy and beyond. When it comes to disputes, the evidence from a thorough check-in outweighs almost everything else. Landlords who rely on check-in photos when disputing a deduction claim will find their case is stronger for it; renters who have their own matching photos from the same day have solid grounds to challenge any attempt to charge for pre-existing damage.
When your tenancy ends, a landlord should return the deposit — or provide a written breakdown of any proposed deductions — within 10 days of you both agreeing the final amount. If they don't respond or you can't agree, you can raise a free dispute through your scheme's ADR service without waiting indefinitely. Keep records of all communication after you leave: messages about the checkout, the landlord's proposed deductions and any photos taken at checkout are all part of the evidence trail that helps an adjudicator reach a fair decision.
Where it's held
The three approved schemes
Your deposit must be in one of these. Each offers free dispute resolution.
TDS
The Tenancy Deposit Scheme - insured or custodial options, with free dispute resolution.
mydeposits
An approved scheme used by many landlords and agents, custodial or insured.
The key distinction
Fair wear vs damage
You can be charged for damage, but never for fair wear and tear. Here's the difference.
Fair wear - not chargeable
- Carpets worn from normal walking
- Paint or curtains faded by sunlight
- Light scuffs and marks on walls
- Minor wear to fittings over time
Damage - chargeable
- Burns, stains or spills
- Holes in walls or broken fixtures
- Missing furniture or items
- Property left dirty or unclean
- Damage caused by pets
Try it yourself
Can they deduct for this?
Pick a scenario to see whether a deduction is usually fair - or something you could dispute.
Fair wear Fair wear - not chargeable
Carpets wearing from normal use is fair wear and tear. A landlord can't deduct for it.
A guide only. If in doubt, dispute it through your scheme - it's free.
The process
How to get it back
- 1
Leave it as you found it
Clean to the standard at move-in and fix anything you damaged. Compare against your inventory and check-in photos.
- 2
Agree any deductions in writing
The landlord should explain and evidence any proposed deductions. Don't feel pressured to accept them.
- 3
Raise a free dispute if you disagree
Use the scheme's free Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). You don't need to go to court.
- 4
Submit your evidence
Inventory, photos, receipts and messages. The disputed amount is protected while it's decided.
- 5
Get a binding decision
An independent adjudicator reviews both sides and decides - usually within four to six weeks.
Common questions
Deposit FAQs
Where should my deposit be held?
In one of three government-approved schemes - DPS, TDS or mydeposits. Your landlord must protect it and give you the prescribed information, normally within 30 days. If they haven't, that's a serious breach you can challenge.
What can a landlord deduct from my deposit?
Only for genuine, evidenced reasons: unpaid rent, damage beyond fair wear and tear, cleaning to bring the property back to its original standard, or missing items. They cannot deduct for normal wear and tear.
What's the difference between fair wear and tear and damage?
Fair wear and tear is the gradual deterioration you'd expect from normal living - worn carpets, faded paint, minor scuffs. Damage is something beyond that, like burns, stains, holes or breakages. You can be charged for damage, but not for fair wear.
How do I dispute an unfair deduction?
Raise a dispute through your deposit scheme's free ADR service. Both sides submit evidence and an independent adjudicator makes a binding decision, typically in four to six weeks. It's free, and you don't need a solicitor or court.
How long does a landlord have to return my deposit?
Once you and your landlord have agreed on the final amount (or you have raised a formal dispute), the scheme should release the agreed portion promptly. As a general guide, landlords should respond to checkout queries and make clear any proposed deductions within around 10 days. If a dispute is raised through the ADR service, the protected funds are held until the adjudicator's decision.
Sources & method
Deposit protection rules apply across England and Wales, with three approved schemes (DPS, TDS, mydeposits), each offering free Alternative Dispute Resolution that typically takes four to six weeks. Fair wear and tear and deduction principles follow the schemes' published guidance. Last updated 12 May 2026. General information, not legal advice - for a dispute, use your scheme's ADR or seek advice from Shelter Cymru or Citizens Advice.
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