For tenants in England and Wales whose landlord or letting agent has not returned a tenancy deposit, or is withholding part of it without proper justification.
When this letter applies
The tenancy has ended and the deposit has not been repaid within the statutory 10 day window after an agreed amount, or the deposit was never protected in an approved scheme.
Legislation cited
Housing Act 2004, sections 213 to 215 (deposit protection and prescribed information)
Tenancy Deposit Protection scheme rules
What the letter contains
Confirmation of the tenancy dates, deposit amount and scheme position
The statutory duties the landlord or agent has failed to meet
A formal demand for repayment with a deadline
A statement of the next step, including scheme dispute resolution or a county court claim for up to three times the deposit
What usually happens after you send it
Landlords and agents frequently settle at this stage rather than risk the statutory penalty. If the money is still not returned, the letter supports a scheme dispute or a court claim.