Deposits

Your tenancy agreement or licence should ideally specify what the deposit is meant to cover.

• You should not have any money taken from your deposit to cover fair wear and tear.
• There is no legal maximum deposit, but the amount is normally equivalent of one or two months' rent.
• Don't pay a deposit until you've signed a tenancy agreement or licence to occupy.
• When you pay the deposit, make sure that you get a signed receipt for the full amount paid which clearly sets out what the deposit covers.
• Check how quickly you will get your deposit back once you have left the property.
• If you have a joint tenancy, money can be taken from all your deposits to cover damage, cleaning and bills for any part of the property or share of bills outstanding.
• If you have an individual agreement, you can only have money taken from your deposit to cover repairs or cleaning caused by your actions, or for your share of outstanding bills.

From 6th April 2007 all tenants signing a new Assured Shorthold Tenancy will have their deposit placed into the Tenancy Deposit Protection scheme, which will ensure that your deposit is protected. Deposits held under this scheme should be returned within 10 days of the tenancy ending, unless there are disputes. For full information check out:

• www.direct.gov.uk/tenancydeposit

If you are not covered by the Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme and you have not had your deposit returned within a reasonable amount of time, or are not happy with the amount that has been deducted then contact the Advice Centre. We will be able to advise you on the appropriate steps to take and the best course of action to follow.

To help students, NUS have produced a Tenancy Deposit Protection Enforcement Pack. It includes information on what to do if a deposit is not protected as well as standard letters and court documents if a landlord refuses to comply with the law.

• Download the NUS Enforcement Pack (pdf format)