Most tenancies in the UK are done so via an assured shorthold tenancy (AST) agreement. While this might seem confusing or complicated at first, it’s actually pretty simple to figure out.
You’re almost certainly on an AST if…
- your tenancy began after 1989
- you’re a private renter (i.e. not a social housing tenant)
- this is your main accommodation
- you don’t live with your landlord
ASTs offer tenants some extra protections including the legal right to have their tenancy deposit protected via one of three government-authorised protection schemes; Deposit Protection Service, MyDeposits, or Tenancy Deposit Scheme.
Not sure if your landlord protected your deposit? Find more information on tenancy deposit claims.
Your landlord has a legal obligation to protect your deposit within 30 days of having received it at the beginning of your tenancy. If they fail to do this (even if they protect your deposit 31 days after receiving it) then you may have grounds to claim compensation.
Tenancy deposit claims offer compensation of up to 3 times the amount of deposit paid. This means that a deposit of £1,500 could result in up to £4,500 compensation!
How do I claim my tenancy deposit back?
At The Brief Claims we offer simple no-win, no-fee tenancy deposit claims to help those let down by their landlord get the compensation they deserve.
If you began or renewed your tenancy agreement within the last 6 years and you know or suspect that your tenancy deposit was not protected correctly then you may be able to start a claim – even if you no longer live at the property.
Additionally, if your landlord renewed your tenancy agreement without protecting your deposit then you may be able to bring multiple claims for each breach.
Can I claim my tenancy deposit back before the end of my tenancy?
Yes, you can bring a claim against your landlord either while you are living at the property or once your tenancy has expired. As long as the agreement or renewal took place within the last 6 years you are able to claim.
You can even claim if you have already been given your deposit back, or if you disagreed with the amount of deposit returned at the end of your tenancy.
