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Rental Deposit Dispute Calculator

Last updated: April 2026

Tenancy details

Was the deposit protected?

Landlord deductions

Deposit summary

Total deposit paid
£1,200
Landlord claims
-£950
Landlord claims refund
£250

Refund estimate

£1,029

Fair deductions
-£171
Landlord is disputing
£779

Fair deductions analysis

DeductionClaimedFairDisputedReason
Carpet wear£500£21£479Depreciated for age, expected lifespan, and tenancy length
Painting£300£0£300Fair wear and tear or pre-existing damage
Unpaid rent£0£0£0Only if genuinely owed
Cleaning£150£150£0Assumes cleaning cost is evidenced

How to dispute

  1. Contact the deposit scheme and request free dispute resolution
  2. Gather the check-in and check-out inventories
  3. Add dated photos, receipts, emails, and landlord messages
  4. Submit evidence through DPS, MyDeposits, or TDS adjudication
  5. If the deposit was not protected, consider a county court claim for the 1-3x deposit penalty

What can my landlord deduct?

Landlords can deduct for unpaid rent, damage beyond fair wear and tear, evidenced cleaning, and missing inventory items. They cannot charge for normal ageing, pre-existing damage, or routine redecoration.

What is fair wear and tear?

Fair wear and tear is reasonable deterioration through normal use. The longer the tenancy, the more marks, fading, and traffic wear are expected and should not be charged in full.

What if my deposit was not protected?

If a landlord failed to protect an assured shorthold tenancy deposit in time, you can ask the county court for a penalty of 1-3 times the deposit amount.

What does this mean?

This calculator is designed to help you understand the likely number before you make a decision or start an application.

Your result should be checked against official UK guidance, especially if your circumstances include dependants, exemptions, prior leave, or a complex immigration history.

Treat the figure as a planning tool rather than legal advice. Where the answer affects an application deadline or major payment, speak to an authorised adviser.

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