Most private landlords ask new tenants to pay a security deposit (sometimes called a bond).
A security deposit is different to a holding deposit. A holding deposit is paid to a landlord or letting agent to ‘hold’ a property while they carry out checks and references. For information about holding deposits see here.
The pages below will help you find out what a security 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 security deposit which explains the basic rules.
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This page was last updated: June 15, 2026
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.
