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Tenancy deposits
Most private landlords ask new tenants to pay a deposit (sometimes called a bond).
The pages below will help you find out what a tenancy deposit covers, how to make sure you get it back and where to get help if you can’t.
We have also produced a fact sheet on Paying a deposit which explains the basic rules.
What deposits cover
Most landlords ask new tenants to pay a month’s deposit as security in case you damage the property or don’t pay the rent.
What if I do not have money for a deposit?
If you don’t have money for a deposit there may be a bond scheme or rent guarantee scheme in your area that can help you.
Tenancy deposit protection schemes
Landlords who rent properties to tenants with assured shorthold tenancies have to place any deposit in a tenancy deposit protection scheme.
Return of unprotected deposits
Not all deposits have to be put into a tenancy deposit protection scheme. If your deposit falls outside the protection of a scheme, you might still be able to take action to get it returned.
Considering court action
Court action to resolve tenancy deposit disputes should only happen as a last resort. Find out when and how you should consider court action.
We are sorry that we cannot provide this information in Welsh, however if you would like to speak to an adviser in Welsh please contact 08000 495 495.
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This page was last updated on: Rhagfyr 3, 2020
Shelter Cymru acknowledges the support of Shelter in allowing us to adapt their content. The information contained on this site is updated and maintained by Shelter Cymru and only gives general guidance on the law in Wales. It should not be regarded or relied upon as a complete or authoritative statement of the law.