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, Awtorità tad-Djar — Kirjiet Privati (2299 1000) is the body that deals with rent and deposit disputes in Malta. For advice on what you can claim and what the landlord may deduct, MCCAA — parir (2395 2000). The last step is a small-claims or rent court, where you can usually go without a lawyer.

In Malta private leases over two months must be registered with the Housing Authority; an unregistered landlord cannot withhold the deposit and can be fined.

Call firstAwtorità tad-Djar — Kirjiet Privati

Report toMCCAA — parir

If that failsTribunal għal Talbiet Żgħar

🗣️ 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 Awtorità tad-Djar — Kirjiet Privati."

🪜 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 MCCAA — parir 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 Awtorità tad-Djar — Kirjiet PrivatiThe 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

Awtorità tad-Djar — Kirjiet PrivatiRental registration, mediation and adjudication on depositsWhen the demand did not work📞 2299 1000 🔗 housingauthority.gov.mt/private-residential-leases

MCCAA — parirFree advice on tenant rights, template lettersBefore you write, on deductions and deadlines📞 2395 2000 🔗 mccaa.org.mt

Tribunal għal Talbiet ŻgħarClaims up to €5,000 without a lawyerLast step, with a clear claim🔗 justice.gov.mt/en/justice/Pages/Small-Claims-Tribunal.aspx

❓ 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; MCCAA — parir knows the exact rule for Malta.

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?