Deposits
This content applies to Scotland only.
Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. Get advice relating to England
When you move into rented accommodation, most private landlords or letting agents ask for a deposit. This section explains what a deposit is for, how you can get help to pay your deposit, and what you should do if you have trouble getting your deposit back when you move out.
If you move into council, housing association or housing cooperative accommodation, you won't usually have to pay a deposit.
About deposits
If you're renting, most private landlords ask for a deposit but most councils, housing associations and housing cooperatives don't. What deposits are for and how you can ensure you get yours back.
Help to pay your deposit
Struggling to raise the money for your rent deposit - a deposit guarantee scheme could help you.
Making an inventory
An inventory lists the contents of a property. Having an inventory is important to help get your deposit back and get repairs done as it should describe the condition of the property as well.
Problems getting your deposit back
Sometimes landlords and letting agents keep tenants' deposits unfairly. This section explains what you can do in this situation to get your deposit back and what your rights and responsibilities are.
Protecting your deposit
Tenancy deposit protection schemes in Scotland can help avoid issues with your landlord when you move out.Contact tenancy deposit schemes to register a deposit for your private tenancy.
Deposit protection date checker
Tenancy deposit protection schemes started operating in 2012 in Scotland.Use our tenancy deposit date checker to work out the date your landlord has to register your deposit by.
