My student landlord is keeping our deposit. What can we do?Beta*
Students
Private renting in England since the Renters' Rights Act 2025, unless the question says otherwise. General information, not legal advice.
Exactly the same rules apply to student houses as to any other private tenancy. The deposit must have been protected within 30 days, it must be returned within 10 days once the amount is agreed, and deductions need evidence. If it's a joint tenancy there is usually one deposit for the whole house, so agree between you how to respond. Use the scheme's free dispute service if needed. If it was never protected, you can claim compensation of up to three times the deposit. Your students' union advice centre can help you write to the landlord.
On this site: Template letters
Sources: GOV.UK: tenancy deposit protection
More on students
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Savvy Renter — savvyrenter.co.uk · free tools for renters. Answers checked 15 October 2026. The full list is also published as faq.json.
* Beta: new page, not yet reviewed by a housing adviser. General information, not legal advice.
* Beta: new page, not yet reviewed by a housing adviser. General information, not legal advice.