Tenancy Deposit Return in Bournemouth & Poole: what to do today (and what to do if they try to deduct)
If you’re renting privately in Bournemouth or Poole, your deposit can feel like a “maybe” until it hits your bank account. The good news: in England, there are clear rules — and you can make the process a lot smoother by doing a few things today, before you even hand the keys back.
Applies to England (private renting / AST). If you’re in Wales/Scotland/NI the schemes and timelines differ.
What to do today (30–60 minutes that can save £200–£800)
1) Find out which deposit scheme protects your deposit
Your deposit should be protected in a government-approved scheme (most commonly DPS, TDS, or mydeposits). Find the scheme name and reference number in your tenancy emails or agent paperwork.
2) Create your “checkout evidence pack” (do this before cleaning or moving big items)
- A slow video walkthrough of every room (good lighting, steady pace)
- Close-up photos of walls, carpets, corners, doors, skirting boards, appliances
- Photos of meter readings
- Your check-in inventory (and any emails where you reported issues/repairs)
Why it matters: if deductions are proposed, evidence is what wins disputes — not opinions.
3) Decide how you’ll hand keys back (and prove it)
Send a short email/text confirming when and how keys were returned. A timestamped record prevents “we didn’t get keys / you left late” arguments.
Your timeline: the deadlines that actually matter
Step A — Ask for your deposit back in writing (day 0–1)
Send a short email to your landlord/agent asking for the deposit return and confirming your forwarding address and bank details.
Step B — If you agree the amount, they must return it within 10 days
In England, the landlord/agent must return your deposit within 10 days of you both agreeing how much you’ll get back.
Step C — If they go quiet: use the scheme
If your landlord/agent doesn’t respond, the deposit scheme can contact them and set a deadline (commonly 2 weeks to reply). If they still don’t respond in time, the scheme can pay your deposit out — typically within 10 days after the deadline passes.
Step D — If it becomes a dispute: act fast
Each scheme has its own process and time limits. Example: TDS states disputes must be raised within 3 months of the tenancy ending (for certain scheme types). Don’t leave it “for later”.
If they propose deductions: what to request (and what they must show)
Your landlord/agent can only deduct money for a valid reason (like rent arrears, damage, missing items). They can’t deduct for fair wear and tear — normal ageing and gradual deterioration.
Before you agree to anything, request:
- Itemised breakdown (each deduction listed separately)
- Evidence (dated photos, inventory references, check-out report)
- Quotes/invoices/receipts showing how the deduction amount was calculated
- Confirmation of the deposit scheme and reference number
This is reasonable, standard, and makes weak claims fall apart quickly.
How to raise a deposit dispute (simple procedure)
- Try to agree in writing (email trail matters).
- If you can’t agree, start the dispute through your deposit scheme’s ADR process.
- When the scheme asks for evidence, move quickly. For example, DPS states both parties may have 14 calendar days from the scheme’s email to submit evidence.
Two copy-paste email templates
1) “Request deposit back” email
Subject: Request for return of tenancy deposit — [Property address] — [Tenancy end date]
Hello [Landlord/Agent name],
My tenancy at [address] ended on [date] and the keys were returned on [date/time].
Please confirm the deposit return process and arrange the return of my tenancy deposit.
If you believe any deductions apply, please send an itemised breakdown in writing with supporting evidence.
Bank details for the return:
Account name: [ ]
Sort code: [ ]
Account number: [ ]
Thanks,
[Full name]
[Phone]
2) “I dispute deductions” email
Subject: Deposit deductions dispute — request for itemised reasons and evidence — [Property address]
Hello [Landlord/Agent name],
Thanks for your message. I do not agree with the proposed deductions of £[amount].
Please provide the following in writing:
- An itemised breakdown of each deduction (what/where/when).
- Supporting evidence (dated photos, check-in/check-out inventory references).
- Quotes/invoices/receipts showing how the amounts were calculated.
- Confirmation of the deposit scheme and reference/certificate number.
Once I have this, I can respond properly. If we can’t agree, I’m ready to raise the dispute through the deposit protection scheme’s ADR process.
Kind regards,
[Full name]
[Phone]
Bournemouth & Poole moving-day deposit risks (and how to avoid them)
In the BCP area, a lot of deposit deductions aren’t about “cleaning” — they’re about scrapes on walls, damaged door frames, and marked stair corners from moving furniture in tight hallways or no-lift flats.
Before you start carrying items out
- Protect high-risk points: door frames, corners, banisters, stair turns
- Photograph the hallway route and the main risk corners (quick proof)
While moving out
- Wrap bulky furniture (sofa/wardrobe/headboards) with moving blankets
- Use straps/trolley for heavy appliances (washing machine/fridge)
- Slow down on corners — most damage happens in the last 2 metres
After the van is loaded
- Do a 3-minute scan: walls, skirting, door edges, stair turns
- If there are rubber scuffs, wipe them immediately (often cosmetic, not “damage”)
Why a professional removals team can reduce deposit risk: experienced movers bring the right protection and handling habits, which means fewer accidental marks that later become “deductions”. (If you want, you can link here to your Deposit-Safe removals approach without making it salesy.)
Optional CTA (soft, local):
“If you’re moving out of a flat in Bournemouth or Poole and want to minimise deposit risk, ask for a quote that includes doorway/floor protection and an agreed arrival window.”
FAQ
How long do they have to return my deposit?
Within 10 days of you both agreeing the amount.
What if they don’t reply at all?
The scheme can set a response deadline (commonly 2 weeks) and may return the deposit if they miss it.
Can they charge for wear and tear?
No — reasonable wear and tear is not a valid deduction.