Separate repayment from compliance
A landlord returning the deposit can be relevant, but the question is still whether they complied with the deposit protection rules at the right time.
Not sure what your paperwork means?
Check eligibilityUse the eligibility check as the next step before trying to work out the claim alone.
Keep proof of the return
Bank records showing repayment help separate the deposit return issue from the protection issue. Keep any messages explaining why the money was returned.
Check the original timeline
The most important dates are often the original payment date, the protection date if any, and the date prescribed information was served.