When a landlord keeps some or all of a tenant’s deposit without a lawful reason, the tenant can refer a dispute to the RTB. This is one of the most common dispute types the RTB adjudicates.

2,866 Determination Orders published by the RTB to date have been tagged under this dispute type — figure sourced live from the RTB's own public register.

Under Section 12 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, a landlord may only deduct from a deposit for genuine rent arrears, unpaid bills the tenant was liable for, or damage beyond normal wear and tear — and must be able to justify any deduction.

The RTB adjudicates these disputes based on evidence from both sides: the tenancy agreement, condition reports or photos, and any correspondence about the deduction. An adjudicator or tribunal issues a binding Determination Order, which either party can seek to have enforced through the courts if not complied with.

Most deposit disputes are resolved faster, and more cheaply, with a clear written demand before ever reaching a hearing — stating the lawful-deduction test and giving the landlord a deadline to respond.

Facing a withheld deposit? Generate a demand letter citing the exact legal test, ready to send before you need to involve the RTB.

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This page summarises RTB dispute rules and cites a live, aggregate count from the RTB's own public taxonomy of published Determination Orders. It does not reproduce any individual case, name, or determination — to review actual published RTB decisions, use the RTB's own case search. Not legal advice.

See also: Landlord Won’t Return Deposit — Full Guide · All RTB dispute types