Practice Direction – Pre-Action Conduct
Letter before action for an unprotected deposit
Before going to court you are expected to write to your landlord setting out your claim and giving them a reasonable chance to settle. Our generator on the homepage creates this letter using your own figures.
Why send one?
The Civil Procedure Rules expect parties to exchange information and try to settle before issuing a claim. If you skip this step, the court can penalise you in costs. Most landlords settle once they receive a clear, well-referenced letter.
What it should include
- Your details, the landlord's details and the property address.
- The deposit amount and the date it was paid.
- Which part of s213 was breached (protection, Prescribed Information, or both).
- The number of breaches, including renewals (Superstrike v Rodrigues).
- The amount you are claiming under s214 and a deadline — usually 14 days.
- A statement that you will issue a Part 8 claim in the County Court if the matter isn't settled.
Sending the letter
Send by recorded delivery and email if you have an email address. Keep a copy and proof of postage. If the landlord uses an agent, send it to both.
If there is no response after 14 days, you can issue a claim using form N208 in the County Court. The court fee depends on the claim value.
Generate your letter
Go to the homepage calculator, enter your deposit details and names, then copy or print the letter. It is fully editable and nothing you type is stored.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I give my landlord?
14 days is standard and considered reasonable for a straightforward deposit claim.
What court form do I use?
Deposit claims are usually brought under CPR Part 8 using form N208 in the County Court.
How much could you claim?
Use the free calculator to estimate your compensation and generate a letter before action.
Open the calculator