No clear explanation
If no reason is given, your first step is to request a written explanation and connect it to the contract, amount withheld and dates.
Landlord kept your deposit in Spain?
If a landlord, agency or holiday rental provider has kept your deposit, do not rely on scattered messages or phone calls. Build a clean evidence file first: contract, payment proof, dates, photos, messages and the exact amount you want returned.
Damage or cleaning claim
Ask what damage is alleged, when it was found, how it was priced and what evidence supports the deduction.
Agency and owner blame each other
Record who accepted the money, who signed the contract, who communicated the decision and who currently holds the deposit.
What to prepare before sending another message
A landlord deposit dispute becomes stronger when your evidence is organised before escalation. The aim is to show a clear, calm and documented position.
- The full rental contract or booking agreement.
- Proof of the deposit payment and the amount paid.
- Photos or video from the start and end of the rental.
- Inventory, key handover notes, meter readings or checkout messages.
- All WhatsApp, email, SMS or booking platform messages.
- Any written explanation for deductions.
- Any invoice, repair quote, cleaning charge or alleged damage evidence.
- The exact amount you are asking to be returned.
Avoid emotional escalation too early
It is understandable to be frustrated, but repeated angry messages can make the file harder to use later. Keep the complaint factual: what was paid, what happened, what evidence exists, what is being requested and by when.
Useful first message structure
1. Identify the rental
State the property, dates, deposit amount, payment method and who received the money.
2. Ask for the reason
Request the exact reason for any deduction and the evidence relied on.
3. Request the outcome
State the amount you want returned and ask for a written response within a reasonable deadline.
How CostaSure helps
CostaSure helps turn a messy landlord or agency dispute into a structured first-stage complaint file. It can help organise the chronology, evidence, missing points, responsible parties and wording before you escalate.
- Structured timeline of what happened.
- Evidence review and missing evidence points.
- Practical complaint wording based on the selected package.
- Escalation preparation if the landlord, agency or platform does not respond.