My deposit was never protected — what can I claim?

Direct answer

You can apply to the county court under section 214 of the Housing Act 2004 for an award of between one and three times the deposit, plus the return of the deposit itself.

Related guidance inside this topic

• If your next step turns on legacy Section 21 notice rules, read Section 21 validity guides.
• For the dates, forms, and evidence behind legacy Section 21 notice rules, see Section 21 checker before you respond.
• If this issue overlaps with section 13 rent increase rules, check rent rise checker to compare the legal tests.
• For a fuller breakdown of landlord repair duties, use landlord repairs checker for the underlying rule set.
• If you need the route-specific rules on legacy Section 21 notice rules, start with Section 21 transition rules so you can check the dates and documents against your own case.

Related articles

• Rent increase rules in England
  The split between pre-1 May 2026 and post-1 May 2026 section 13 rules, including Form 4, Form 4A, notice periods, and tribunal rights.
• Tenant rights in England: complete guide
  The main overview page linking eviction, repairs, deposit protection, rent increases, and illegal eviction rights together.
• Renter questions answered
  Plain-English answers to the most-asked questions from private renters in England — eviction, deposits, rent increases, repairs, illegal eviction, and pets.
• Old rules vs new rules after May 2026
  The side-by-side transition guide for Section 21, Section 8, rent increases, and periodic tenancies after 1 May 2026.
• Renters' Rights Act 2026: complete guide
  The main reform guide covering Section 21 abolition, Section 8, rent increases, pets, and private rented sector enforcement changes.