Letter template · For renters in England

Request the return of my deposit

Ask for your deposit back at the end of the tenancy and request an itemised breakdown of any proposed deductions.

This is not legal advice

TenantProof is a tool to help you keep your own records and find official routes. It does not provide legal advice, does not act on your behalf, and does not guarantee any outcome. For free, qualified help, contact Shelter, Citizens Advice, or check GOV.UK.Shelter Citizens Advice GOV.UK: Private renting

How to use it

Replace everything in [square brackets] with your details.
Read it through and adjust the wording to fit your situation.
Send it yourself, by email or post. TenantProof never contacts anyone on your behalf.
Keep the links to Shelter, Citizens Advice and GOV.UK at the bottom.

The letter

[Today's date]

Dear [Landlord / letting agent name],

Re: Return of my tenancy deposit, [Property address]

My tenancy at the above property has ended / is ending on [end date]. My deposit of [deposit amount] is, as I understand it, protected in [the deposit protection scheme it is held in].

I am writing to request the return of my deposit. If you intend to propose any deductions, please could you send me an itemised breakdown together with any supporting evidence, so that I can consider it. I would be grateful for your reply within a reasonable time, for example, within 10 working days.

My understanding is that if we cannot agree, the deposit protection scheme offers a free dispute resolution service that I can ask to use.

Thank you,

[Your name]
[Your forwarding address]

This letter is a template, not legal advice, and does not guarantee any outcome. You should read it, change it to fit your situation, and send it yourself. For free, qualified help: Shelter (https://www.shelter.org.uk), Citizens Advice (https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk), or GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/private-renting).

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General information for private renters in England, last reviewed 8 July 2026. Not legal advice, the law and deadlines can change, so check the current position via GOV.UK or get advice from Shelter or Citizens Advice. See also Help & official routes.