For most disputes about a deposit in a residential tenancy covered by the Residential Tenancies Acts, the RTB is generally the appropriate route, including claims about deductions or non-return of the deposit. The small claims procedure is not a substitute for the RTB and may exclude disputes arising from a tenancy agreement. If the arrangement was a licence, holiday let or another tenancy outside the RTB’s remit, a court claim may be relevant instead. Check the RTB’s guidance and consider advice from a solicitor before choosing a route; the outcome depends on the evidence and individual facts.