What happens to the deposit when one joint tenant leaves?
A joint deposit belongs to all the tenants together. If one leaves and is replaced, the cleanest route is to end the protection, repay or reassign the deposit with everyone's written consent, and protect the new arrangement afresh.
3 min read · Updated 2 August 2026
Overview
A joint deposit belongs to all the tenants together. If one leaves and is replaced, the cleanest route is to end the protection, repay or reassign the deposit with everyone's written consent, and protect the new arrangement afresh.
Practical guidance
- Get written agreement from the outgoing, remaining and incoming tenants before moving any money.
- Re-serve prescribed information naming the new tenant line-up.
- Do a mid-term inventory so responsibility for existing damage is clear.
Related content
General information for UK landlords and letting agents, not legal advice. Rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — check your local requirements or take advice before acting.