Whether it is unfair deductions, an unprotected deposit, or a landlord refusing to engage — we help you understand your options in Edinburgh.
Select the situation that best describes your experience to get targeted guidance.
Deposit reduced for unreasonable charges
Learn moreYour deposit was never placed in a scheme
Learn moreDisagreement at check-out
Learn moreCommunication has broken down
Learn moreUnclear on your rights and next steps
Learn moreUnderstand your deposit rights, organise your evidence, and get clear next steps.
A tenancy dispute specialist assesses your case and handles the process. No upfront cost.
You only pay if they recover compensation
Edinburgh has a high-value private rental market driven by its large professional population and its status as Scotland's capital. The city's professional rental market — concentrated in the New Town, Marchmont, and the city centre — generates regular deposit disputes. Scottish tenancy law differs from English law, and deposit protection rules are different in Scotland.
Edinburgh's high-value professional rental market creates specific deposit dispute issues around high-end fixtures, appliances, and Georgian period features. The city's large student population around the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University creates student-related claims. Scottish tenancy law provides specific protections for tenants.
A professional tenant leaving a two-year tenancy in an Edinburgh New Town flat was charged £1,500 for damage to original Georgian cornicing. The tenant argued the damage was pre-existing.
A professional tenant in an Edinburgh city centre apartment discovered their £1,800 deposit had been held by the landlord in a personal account and not protected in an approved scheme.
Edinburgh rental deposits are governed by Scottish tenancy law, which differs from English law. Deposits must be protected in one of three government-approved schemes in Scotland. Failure to comply can result in penalties of up to 3 times the deposit amount.
The landlord must be able to demonstrate that the damage was caused by you and was not pre-existing or due to normal use. For Georgian features, they should provide the condition at check-in and evidence that the damage was caused by tenant misuse rather than normal wear. An independent assessment of the features can support your position.
If your landlord failed to protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme in Scotland, you can claim a penalty of between 1 and 3 times the deposit amount. The claim is brought in the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).
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