Multi-AST deposit penalty claim — advanced rent defence?
2 months ago | 2 comments
Double deposits leave tenants facing thousands in moving costs
8:03 AM, 29th April 2026, 3 weeks ago
5
Categories:
Tenants are having to spend thousands of pounds in upfront costs to move home, according to new data.
A study by deposit alternative supplier Reposit reveals that tenants face £3,450 in upfront costs to move home, excluding rent.
The total is based on a scenario in which tenants are required to cover two cash deposits worth five weeks’ rent at the same time, one tied up in their existing tenancy and another needed to secure their next home, alongside £834 in moving costs.
Money is still tied up when deposit begins
According to the research, the average cash deposit currently stands at £1,308 for a home with a monthly rent of £1,133.
When doubled to reflect both an outgoing and incoming tenancy, this rises to £2,616, bringing the total upfront cost of moving to £3,450 once moving costs are included.
Ben Grech, CEO of Reposit, explains deposits are a hidden cost of moving.
He said: “Many renters expect their deposit to be returned in time to help fund their next move, but in reality, that money is often still tied up when a new tenancy begins.
“That can create a significant affordability challenge at the point of moving, particularly when removal costs and other household expenses are added into the mix.”
The news comes as the government has published guidance on deposits when giving notice to tenants under the Renters’ Rights Act.
The government says landlords must place a tenant’s deposit in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme such as the Deposit Protection Service (DPS), MyDeposits or the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS).
Comments
Have Your Say
Every day, landlords who want to influence policy and share real-world experience add their voice here. Your perspective helps keep the debate balanced.
Not a member yet? Join In Seconds
Login with
or
Related Articles
Tenants offered deposit alternative at new BTR sites
2 years ago | 3 comments
Tenants tied up in rising deposit costs
2 years ago
Member Since June 2019 - Comments: 810
1:23 PM, 29th April 2026, About 3 weeks ago
They forgot to mention that the alternative costs the tenants every month, whereas a good tenant will actually get all of the deposit back.
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3575 - Articles: 5
2:43 PM, 29th April 2026, About 3 weeks ago
A deposit is essentially a good behaviour bond.
The good tenant who looked after the property gets it back once the existing tenancy ends and the deposit company release the funds back to them. They don’t loose out at all.
“Many renters expect their deposit to be returned in time to help fund their next move, but in reality, that money is often still tied up when a new tenancy begins.” Well they need to read about the process then don’t they and educate themselves! Personal responsibility.
I will adapt the Liebour mantra – ‘The good tenant has nothing to fear from this process’ .
Member Since February 2024 - Comments: 75
4:00 PM, 29th April 2026, About 3 weeks ago
A tenant asked for his deposit back as he gave notice on the grounds that he needed it for new home. I explained he had to apply to DPS scheme as i didn’t actually hold his deposit, also that he would only get it once i had possession, the keys, and inspected for damage. He went absolutely ballistic, hurling abuse at me, saying I had stolen his money, and that he would take me to court. Then after a few days, when I assume he’d been told that was correct procedure he messaged me and asked me for a loan…..
Member Since December 2023 - Comments: 1612
10:00 PM, 29th April 2026, About 3 weeks ago
As an homeowner, it costs me far more to move home. I laid over £10,000 is Stamp Duty last time.
As a result, I won’t downsize so my 5 bed home is only occupied by the two of us.
For tenants, moving home could mean paying for two properties for up to 3 months unless the old landlord releases them early or the new landlord holds the new property until the tenant serves the notice period on the old property. It will still be less than £10,000
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3575 - Articles: 5
9:08 AM, 30th April 2026, About 3 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Jill Church at 29/04/2026 – 16:00
….and they talk of giving more ‘rights’ to tenants, when the very same often have no idea of what renting actually means, how the deposit system works and also never read any of the info given to them.