How to challenge a rental deposit deduction in English

1. You've moved out of a rented flat after two years.
2. Your landlord wants to keep £300 of your £1,000 deposit: £200 for professional cleaning and £100 for a mark on the living-room carpet.
3. You cleaned the flat thoroughly and took dated photos on moving-out day.
4. The carpet mark is shown on the check-in inventory from two years ago.
5. Your deposit is protected by a government-backed scheme with a free dispute service.

Say each line out loud from its hint, then tap to check.

1. 1 · Open

   A clear, neutral way to start

   “Hi, I'm calling about the deductions from my deposit.”

2. 2 · Explain

   Firm without sounding aggressive

   “I've seen the breakdown, and I don't think the cleaning charge is fair.”

   Links your view to evidence

   “I gave the flat a proper clean before I left, and I've got dated photos.”

3. 3 · Ask

   Invites them to reconsider

   “Could you take another look? I don't think those charges are justified.”

4. 4 · Push back

   Direct but factual

   “That carpet mark isn't new; it's on the check-in inventory.”

   Makes your position clear

   “As it stands, I can't agree to the three-hundred-pound deduction.”

5. 5 · Meet halfway

   Keeps the discussion practical

   “We could go through each charge separately, if that's easier.”

6. 6 · Wrap up

   Ends with a clear next step

   “All right, I'll email the evidence today, and we can take it from there.”

It sounds calmer and opens a discussion while still making your position clear.