My landlord wants to take money off my deposit. How do I challenge unfair deductions?Beta*

The deposit is your money, so it's up to the landlord to prove a deduction is justified, not up to you to prove it isn't. A landlord can claim for unpaid rent, damage beyond fair wear and tear, and items missing from the inventory. They can't charge you to make the place better than it was when you moved in, or for the normal ageing of carpets, paint and furniture. Ask for an itemised list with receipts or quotes. Then compare it with the check-in inventory and your own photos and videos from move-in day. If you can't agree, use the deposit scheme's free dispute service (ADR). An independent adjudicator decides on the written evidence alone.

On this site: Moving in audit

Sources: Shelter: dispute unfair deductions