Is DepositDefender UK legal advice?

No. It gives general guidance based on common tenancy deposit scheme adjudication practice in England and Wales, and generates a draft letter. For advice on your specific situation, speak to a solicitor or a free service such as Citizens Advice or Shelter.

How much does it cost?

Checking your case strength is free. Unlocking and downloading the finished Letter Before Action costs a one-off £7.99, with no subscription.

What if my landlord still refuses to pay after the letter?

If your deposit was protected in a government-approved scheme, you can use that scheme's free Alternative Dispute Resolution service. If it wasn't protected, or ADR doesn't resolve it, you can issue a claim through the County Court Small Claims Track using Money Claim Online.

Tenancy Deposit Disputes · England & Wales

Your landlord kept part of your deposit for "wear and tear." That's not always legal.

Answer a few questions, get an honest read on how strong your case is, and generate a Letter Before Action written in the cold, formal English that makes landlords pay up rather than go to court over £400.

Check my case — free See how it works

What they said → what you send

↓ translated into a Letter Before Action

No account needed · Case check is free · £7.99 to unlock your letter · Not a law firm

How it works

Three steps, about four minutes

01 — Tell us what happened

How long you rented, what your landlord is withholding, and what they say it's for — cleaning, a carpet stain, paintwork, or something else.

02 — Get your case strength

We check it against how UK deposit scheme adjudicators actually treat wear and tear, missing inventories, and unevidenced deductions.

03 — Download your letter

A formal Letter Before Action, personalised to your tenancy, citing the right law and giving your landlord 14 days to pay up.

Know your rights

Common deductions, and what the law actually says

"We're keeping £150 for cleaning"

When a cleaning charge is enforceable — and when it's just an easy way to shave money off your deposit.

Read the guide →

Wear and tear vs. damage

The distinction landlords hope you don't know, and how adjudicators actually draw the line.

Read the guide →

Writing a Letter Before Action

What has to be in it, what tone actually works, and a free template you can generate for your case.

Read the guide →

Questions

Before you start

Is this legal advice?: No. It's general guidance based on common tenancy deposit scheme adjudication practice, plus a letter generator. For advice on your specific situation, speak to a solicitor or a free service such as Citizens Advice or Shelter.
How much does it cost?: Checking your case strength is free. Unlocking your finished letter is a one-off £7.99.
What if my landlord still won't pay?: If your deposit was protected in a government-approved scheme, you can use its free Alternative Dispute Resolution service. Otherwise, small claims through Money Claim Online is usually the next step.