What happens to my holding deposit if my application is unsuccessful?

If your application for an English apartment is unsuccessful, your holding deposit will normally be refunded when we decide not to proceed through no fault of yours.

The law does allow retention in limited cases, such as a failed right-to-rent check, materially false or misleading information, withdrawal or failure to take reasonable steps to conclude the tenancy.

What happens next

• We confirm that the application is not progressing.
• We explain whether the holding deposit is due back or whether a specific legal exception applies.
• Where a refund is due, it is generally made within seven days of the relevant decision or deadline.
• If a deposit is retained, we give the reason in writing within the required period.

An application should not lose its deposit simply because a reference is slow to arrive or you need to clarify accurate information, provided you have taken reasonable steps to progress matters.

For Dublin, the applicable security deposit & written reservation terms govern any payment. View the permitted English holding deposit rules.