This guide is here to assist you with navigating the dispute process, explaining the requirements for raising a dispute and the timelines involved.

Before proceeding, please note that for Reposits with multiple tenants, the first response submitted, whether by you or a co-tenant, will be considered the official response for the entire case. To avoid complications, we recommend discussing your approach with all co-tenants before raising a dispute.

ADR offers a way to resolve disputes without involving the traditional court system.

This process is entirely independent and managed by trained professionals. Neither Reposit nor any party involved can influence the adjudicator’s decision, which is based solely on the evidence provided.

ADR is not mediation, arbitration, or counselling. You won’t need to meet the adjudicator, nor will they visit the property in question. Instead, the adjudicator reviews the evidence submitted by both you and your letting agent/landlord within the required timeframes to make a binding decision on the disputed amount.

The adjudication outcome is final and can only be challenged through a court of law. Reposit cannot re-open cases unless it can be shown that there was a manifest error.

You will have 7 days from the date the charges are submitted to respond through your dashboard. The initial response will be to accept or reject charges. Should you reject the charges you can initiate your proposed settlement submission to the landlord/letting agent for review.

If your proposal is rejected by the letting agent or landlord, you have a further 7 days to either accept their final offer and pay or formally dispute the charges.

To raise a dispute, you must pay a £60 dispute fee. This fee discourages frivolous disputes and ensures they are made in good faith. If your dispute is successful, the fee will be fully refunded.

Please note that disputes cannot be registered until the fee is paid. Additionally, once a dispute is submitted, no further evidence can be uploaded, so ensure all relevant documentation is included upfront.

For step-by-step guidance, watch the video: How to respond to your letting agent or landlord’s final offer

When submitting a dispute, include evidence to support your case. The message you submit should be clear, concise, and reference the evidence you provide.

Relevant evidence may include:

It is important that everything you would like considered is uploaded as once submitted you will not be given further opportunity to provide evidence.

The burden of proof lies with the landlord or letting agent, who must justify their charges and provide evidence for these.

Once the landlord or letting agent submits their evidence, the case will undergo independent adjudication, which may take up to 6 weeks. You will receive an email with the adjudication result, including a full report and breakdown.

The outcome will determine what happens to your £60 dispute fee:

Important:

You will have 24 hours from receiving the adjudication result email (titled Formal Dispute Update: Adjudication Result) to pay any outstanding balance. To prepare, ensure you have sufficient funds available in case the ruling is not in your favour.

While the outcome may not always align with your expectations, understanding the process and next steps can help you feel more prepared and confident.

It’s important to understand that the adjudicator’s decision is final and binding. This decision is based on the evidence provided by both parties, and no further evidence can be submitted once it has been made.

The result can only be challenged through a Court of Law, and if you choose this route, it’s important to file within the timeframe set by the relevant jurisdiction. We recommend seeking legal advice to ensure you fully understand the process.

Please note that the adjudication decision remains enforceable, and payment is expected as per the ruling. Should a court overturn the decision, we will, of course, comply and make any necessary adjustments.