What happens at the end of the tenancy?
You’re probably wondering what happens to the deposit at the end of the tenancy. Don’t worry, we’ve got all the information you need.
The deposit release process
Insured
Update deposit status
When the tenancy ends, you must either:
- unprotect the deposit if the tenant has moved out, or
- re-protect the deposit if the tenancy was renewed with a new fixed term
Discussing return of the deposit
You should discuss the return of the deposit with the tenant and inform them of any deductions you may want to make.
The tenant should also request the return of the deposit in writing at the end of the tenancy.
Return of deposit
You should return any amount you have agreed to the tenant, following their request, within 10 days, or at the time you have both agreed.
If you are unable to agree the proposed deductions with your tenant, they can raise a dispute to help resolve the issue. Find out more about the dispute process here.
Custodial member release
You begin release process
Having discussed the deposit return with the tenant, you begin the release process through your mydeposits Northern Ireland online account.
Tenant responds to release request
We notify the tenant of your proposed release request.
They then ‘agree’ with the release request or ‘disagree’ if necessary.
They have 30 working days to respond to the release request.
End of release
If the tenant ‘agrees’ with your release request, the deposit will be returned to the relevant parties within five working days.
If the tenant ‘disagrees’, they can raise a dispute to resolve the issue. Find out more about the dispute process here.
Custodial tenant release
Tenant begins release process
Having discussed the deposit return with you, the tenant begins the release process by contacting us and requesting for their deposit to be returned.
You respond to release request
We notify you of the tenant’s proposed release request.
You then ‘agree’ or ‘disagree’ with the release request. You may ‘disagree’, if you think you should keep some or all of the deposit to cover things like cleaning or damage.
You will need to provide payment details if you are due all or part of the deposit back.
You have 30 working days to respond to the release request.
End of release
If you ‘agree’ with the tenant’s release request, the deposit will be returned to the relevant parties within five working days.
If you ‘disagree’, the tenant will be notified of your counter proposal which they will then ‘agree’ or ‘disagree’ with and raise a dispute to resolve the issue. Find out more about the dispute process here.
The deposit release process
End of tenancy options
Renewal
A new protection is required when a landlord or agent gives the same tenant(s) a new fixed term tenancy. In this situation the deposit must be re-protected and the key information reissued. The relevant protection fee will also need to be paid.
Tenancy ends
If the tenant leaves the property, you will need to unprotect the deposit and inform us of what you have done (returned part or withheld all).
What happens if no one responds to a release request?
If we do not hear from you or the tenant (depending on who started the deposit release process) within 14 working days of the process beginning, we will return the deposit in line with the terms proposed in the release request.
Dispute process
We would encourage you to discuss deposit deductions with your tenant when they move out, and you can withhold all or part of the deposit money without involving us, provided your tenant agrees.
If you are unable to reach an agreement with your tenant, we offer a free and impartial alternative dispute resolution service to help you resolve the issue.