Deposit Protection Service > Claims and disputes
At the end of a tenancy the deposit needs to be repaid.
Sometimes it's as straightforward as returning the entire deposit to the tenant. However, for some tenancies, after the final property inspection and review of the inventory and tenancy agreement, the landlord may feel they're due a portion of the tenant's deposit.
Landlords and tenants usually agree on how a deposit should be shared. However, sometimes they just can't come to an agreement. Our claims and disputes guidance gives you all the information you need to make deposit claims that are fair and reasonable. If it can't be avoided, we can also help you navigate the dispute resolution process and give yourself the best chance of a successful outcome.
How to use this information
1) Deciding if you should make a claim
If you're thinking of making a claim, our framework should help you decide if the claim is justified, reasonable and supported by evidence. It can take up to seven weeks to resolve a dispute, so fair evidenced claims can help you quickly reach an agreement with your tenants, saving you time and effort.
2) What makes a fair and reasonable claim
3) The dispute resolution process
Of course, this is just a simple overview of what happens in a dispute. For a successful outcome, understanding each stage of the process, including timings and best practice is essential. Click the relevant box for in-depth insights into how the dispute process works and how to successfully navigate it.
Next: Thinking of making a claim?