Request return of tenancy deposit

This letter cites the following authority, which the AI has checked against current GOV.UK / legislation.gov.uk:

• Government-approved deposit protection schemes (TDS, MyDeposits, DPS): confirmed as the three current approved schemes under Housing Act 2004 s.213. The ADR offered by each scheme is free to tenants and binding on the landlord if the tenant accepts the outcome.
• Wear and tear principle: the letter correctly states that fair wear and tear is not recoverable — this is confirmed by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme adjudication guidance and the Housing Act 2004 regime.
• Specific, evidenced deductions: consistent with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and MyDeposits adjudication frameworks, which require landlords to substantiate deductions with evidence (invoices, photos, contractor quotes).
• Landlord cannot release disputed portion: confirmed under the terms of the three approved schemes — the disputed portion remains locked until agreement or ADR determination.

Reviewer focus areas: (1) Confirm whether the Renters' Rights Act 2025 has changed the deposit regime, the deposit cap rules, or the ADR process. The Tenant Fees Act 2019 capped deposits at 5 weeks' rent (or 6 weeks if annual rent exceeds £50,000) — confirm this cap is still in place and correctly reflected in any guidance. (2) Verify that the 10-day return period proposed in this letter is consistent with scheme rules (TDS guidance suggests 10 days from agreement; the statutory framework does not specify a fixed return period). (3) Confirm whether there are any new requirements following the Renters' Rights Act 2025 that affect the deposit return process.

This AI cross-check is an aid only; final sign-off requires a regulated solicitor.