£750m in tenancy deposits may be unclaimed
Thursday 3rd September, 2026
An estimated £750m in tenancy deposits may be dormant or unclaimed in England and Wales, prompting calls for clearer rules on what happens to the money.
This gives Rightmove a natural chance to comment on transparency and fairness for renters across the UK.
2 Sources:
Why have we flagged this?
The report highlights a major renting issue affecting tenants and landlords, giving Rightmove an opportunity to share rental-market insight or expert comment on deposits and affordability.
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Thinking...
These are starting points for inspiration, not finished ideas.
Expert comment
Demand automatic tracing before treating deposits as unclaimed
Argue that renters should be contacted through a standard national process before dormant deposits can be redirected.
Expert comment angle: Have Rightmove’s rental expert tell consumer and housing journalists that the first reform must be automatic tracing, not simply deciding where the money goes.
Why: It offers a practical, renter-first solution to the £750m question and gives journalists a clear policy line to quote.
Newsjack
Create a free guide to reclaiming old tenancy deposits
Publish a simple step-by-step guide covering deposit schemes, former landlords, changed addresses and escalation routes.
Newsjack angle: Put the guide on Rightmove within days and pitch it to consumer desks as an immediate response for renters who may have money sitting unclaimed.
Why: It turns a complex policy story into practical help and gives consumer journalists a useful resource to share.
Expert comment
Make deposit rules consistent across Britain
Use the contrast with Scotland to argue that renters should not face different outcomes based on where they live.
Expert comment angle: Offer a specific view to national news and property desks: England and Wales need a transparent, consistent process for dormant deposits, with safeguards matching Scotland’s approach.
Why: The story already contains a strong regional comparison, making this a credible and easy-to-understand policy response.