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
When you move into rented accommodation, most private landlords or letting agents ask for a deposit but most councils, housing associations and housing cooperatives don't. This page explains what deposits are for and how you can ensure you get yours back.
Help to pay your deposit
If you want to move into rented accommodation but are having trouble raising the money for a deposit, rent deposit or guarantee schemes can help you.
Making an inventory
An inventory is a list of the contents of a property. Having an inventory is important if you want to get your deposit back.
Problems getting your deposit back
Your landlord is entitled to keep money from your deposit to cover breakages, damage and unpaid bills. But sometimes landlords retain deposits unfairly. This section explains what you can do in this situation.
