When did the tenancy actually end?Record the move-out date, key return or handover date and any notice or agreement about the end of the tenancy.
Landlord hasn’t returned my rental deposit — what next?
Start with the tenancy record and the local deadline. Keep proof of the deposit, move-out date, property condition and any deductions, ask for the return or an itemised explanation in writing, then use the deposit-scheme, tenancy or court route for the property’s jurisdiction.
Ask JEZ AI about my depositThere is no safe universal “deposit must be returned in X days” rule.The deadline, permitted deductions, protection scheme and dispute forum depend on the country and often the state, province, territory or UK legal system.
Six facts to organise before escalating.
How much deposit or bond was paid?Keep the receipt, bank transfer, tenancy agreement and any government or scheme registration record.
Did the landlord give a deduction breakdown?Save every itemised deduction, invoice, quote, cleaning charge, repair claim or written reason for withholding money.
What did the property look like?Keep move-in and move-out inventories, dated photographs, videos, inspection reports and messages about condition.
Is there a return deadline or scheme process?Deposit deadlines, protection schemes and dispute forums differ by jurisdiction. Check the official local rule before relying on a generic number of days.
What is the next formal route?Depending on location, the next step may be a deposit scheme, tenancy authority, tribunal, small-claims process or another housing forum.
Use the property jurisdiction, not a generic internet deadline.
United KingdomEngland & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland use different tenancy-deposit rules and dispute routes.Open UK guide
AustraliaBond lodgement, release, deductions and tribunal routes vary by state or territory, so select the property location first.Open Australia guide
English CanadaDeposit types, caps, return rules and tenancy forums vary by province and territory.Open Canada guide
Open the landlord-and-tenant guide for the rental location.
United States
United Kingdom
Australia
New Zealand
English Canada
South Africa
Singapore
India
Brazil
Philippines
Thailand
Germany
Indonesia
Malaysia
Vietnam
JapanJurisdiction first. Source-led guidance after that.
Published and maintained by GetInstantLaw.com. This is a multi-jurisdiction entry page, not a substitute for the country, state, province, territory or legal-system guide that applies to your situation. Guide reviewed . Trust standard updated .
Legal information only — not legal advice. GetInstantLaw.com is not a law firm. Specific rights, deadlines, penalties and remedies should be checked against the cited authority for the selected jurisdiction.