My landlord won't return my deposit — who do I go to?

Direct answer

First a written demand to the landlord with a deadline (14 days is normal) and your bank details — most deposits come back at this stage. If nothing happens, Kærunefnd húsamála (stjornarradid.is) is the body that deals with rent and deposit disputes in Iceland. For advice on what you can claim and what the landlord may deduct, Leigjendasamtökin / HMS leigjendaaðstoð (440 6400). The last step is a small-claims or rent court, where you can usually go without a lawyer.

Under the Rent Act the deposit may not exceed three months' rent and must be returned within four weeks of the property being handed back.

Call firstKærunefnd húsamála

Report toLeigjendasamtökin / HMS leigjendaaðstoð

If that failsHéraðsdómur

🗣️ What to say

"My tenancy at [address] ended on [date]. The deposit of €… has not been returned and I have received no itemised deductions. I request the full amount within 14 days to [IBAN]. Otherwise I will take it to Kærunefnd húsamála."

🪜 Step by step

Write, don't callA dated letter or e-mail with the amount, the end date, your bank details and a 14-day deadline. Keep proof of sending.
Collect evidenceThe signed contract, the move-in and move-out inspection reports, photos with dates, and the proof you paid the deposit.
Ask Leigjendasamtökin / HMS leigjendaaðstoð what appliesWhich deductions are allowed (unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear) and what is not (repainting, normal wear, cleaning that was not agreed).
File with Kærunefnd húsamálaThe rent dispute body or deposit scheme handles this without a lawyer and usually within weeks.
Court as last resortSmall-claims procedures exist for exactly this amount range; the landlord usually pays the costs if you win.

📇 All contacts

Kærunefnd húsamálaRules on tenancy disputes, free, no lawyerWhen the demand did not work🔗 www.stjornarradid.is/verkefni/husnaedismal/kaerunefnd-husamala

Leigjendasamtökin / HMS leigjendaaðstoðAdvice for tenants, template lettersBefore you write, on deductions and deadlines📞 440 6400 🔗 hms.is/husnaedi/leiga

HéraðsdómurCourt proceedings, after the board's rulingIf the landlord ignores the ruling🔗 www.domstolar.is

❓ Frequently asked

How long may the landlord take?

It varies by country, but "a reasonable time" after a final inspection is usually a few weeks; Leigjendasamtökin / HMS leigjendaaðstoð knows the exact rule for Iceland.

Can the landlord keep it for repainting?

Not for normal wear and tear. Damage beyond normal use, unpaid rent or bills, and cleaning you agreed to do can be deducted — itemised, with receipts.

I have no written contract

You still have a tenancy and still get the deposit back. Bank transfers, messages and witnesses prove the agreement.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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🔑 My landlord won't return my deposit — who do I go to?