Media type · A refundable sum held against damage, unpaid rent or early termination.
Accommodation deposit
Cash paid before moving in, held against damage or unpaid rent.
Key facts
| What it is | A refundable sum held against damage, unpaid rent or early termination. |
|---|---|
| Who sets it | The landlord, letting agent or student residence, within any limit set by local law. |
| Check before paying | The refund conditions, whether the deposit is protected, what counts as damage, and how the payment is recorded. |
Refund conditions and evidence
A deposit is held against damage, unpaid rent or early termination, and the refund depends on the contract and the condition of the property. Normal wear is usually treated differently from damage, but the definition is in the agreement.
A dated inventory and photographs at move-in are the evidence that decides a dispute. Paying by a traceable method also creates a record of the amount and the date.
Frequently asked questions
Is a deposit the same as advance rent?
No. Advance rent pays for a period; a deposit is held and returned under the contract.
Can the deposit count as proof of funds?
Usually it is money already spent, not money available. Check whether the route recognises paid deposits.