Deposits

This content applies to Scotland only.

Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. This page applies to Scotland only. 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. Read more 

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. Read more 

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. Read more 

Problems getting your deposit back

Your landlord is entitled to keep money from your deposit to cover breakages, damage and unpaid rent or bills. But sometimes landlords retain deposits unfairly. This section explains what you can do in this situation. Read more