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Jamie Campbell
a year ago - 2 minute read
It takes a little bit of effort but if your rent deposit has not been protected properly you could be entitled to three times your rent deposit amount - which could be £1000’s.
If you have discovered your rent deposit has not been protected (if you want to check you can use our guide), here’s what you need to do to get your money back.
Making a claim might feel a little scary; but it’s only because you might not know the details about your rights, how to submit your claim, or what happens at each stage of the process.
We can change that, as making a claim is fairly straightforward when you know all the steps.
‘Evidence’ in this case means things like:
a) Screenshots of the deposit transfer from your bank account - including date and time.
b) Confirmation from your property agent or landlord that they received the deposit
c) Screenshots that your deposit is not registered in a protected scheme.
Here’s how to do it. Make sure the information you put into the deposit checker is clear. You should be able to clearly see there were no typos or incorrect dates inputted. Put the webpage that shows there is no registered deposit next to a webpage showing today’s news. Take the screenshot. This is clear proof of the negative result and the date you captured the evidence.
With this evidence and ask them to confirm your deposit isn't protected, or was not protected after 30 days from when you sent it. They are still at fault if they protected it after 30 days.
To take your landlord to small claims court.
That you're making a claim 'under S213-214 of the Housing Act 2004 (non-compliance with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme)'.
These are the screenshots you collected in step 1. Explain that your deposit was not protected correctly or on time.
To your local county court - remember that there may be fees. The fees will be repaid if you win the case (this is why it’s important to review the evidence and send through everything in writing.)
If your landlord hasn’t followed the rules, the court will instruct your landlord or agent to pay compensation of 1 to 3 times the amount of your deposit.
Before you start the court process, make sure you are eligible to claim
Londoners can also be refunded 12 months rent if your landlord doesn't have the correct licence.
Check if your landlord has the right licence here.
There’s an easy way to get updated on your renter rights. Follow Fronted on Twitter here.
Guide by
Jamie Campbell
Co-founder of Fronted
Fronted is a trading name of Fronted Holding Ltd. We are registered in England and Wales (Company No.12278750), registered office address is Fronted, The Fisheries, 1 Mentmore Terrace, London, E8 3PN. Fronted Loans Ltd (Company No.12307305) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under a Consumer Credit Licence (FCA No. 933316). Fronted Ltd (Company No.12304059) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under a Broker Licence (FCA No. 933317).
Fronted Loans Ltd and Fronted Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fronted Holding Ltd. We are part of the FCA regulatory sandbox - Cohort 6. The regulatory sandbox allows firms to test innovative offerings in a live environment. More information on the FCA's regulatory sandbox can be found here.
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