Tenancy Deposit Protection UK: Your Complete Guide

Your tenancy deposit is probably the largest single sum you'll hand over to a landlord. Here's how to make sure it's protected — and what your rights are if it isn't.

What is deposit protection?

Since 2007, all landlords in England and Wales have been legally required to protect tenants' deposits in a government-approved scheme. The three approved schemes are:

• Deposit Protection Service (DPS)
• MyDeposits
• Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)

Each scheme works slightly differently, but all of them hold your deposit securely and provide a free dispute resolution service if you and your landlord disagree about deductions at the end of your tenancy.

How long does a landlord have to protect my deposit?

Your landlord must protect your deposit and provide you with written information about the scheme (called “prescribed information”) within 30 days of receiving it. This isn't optional — it's a legal requirement.

How do I check if my deposit is protected?

You can check directly on each scheme's website:

• DPS: depositprotection.com
• MyDeposits: mydeposits.co.uk
• TDS: tenancydepositscheme.com

You'll need your postcode and the amount of your deposit.

What if my landlord hasn't protected my deposit?

If your landlord fails to protect your deposit or provide prescribed information within 30 days, you can apply to court. The court can order the landlord to repay you between one and three times the deposit amount. This remains true even if you've already moved out.

What can a landlord deduct from my deposit?

Landlords can only make deductions for:

• Unpaid rent
• Damage beyond fair wear and tear
• Cleaning if the property isn't returned in the agreed condition
• Missing items from an inventory

They cannot deduct for general wear and tear — things like minor scuffs on walls, carpet wear in high-traffic areas, or faded paintwork.

Disputes at the end of a tenancy

If you disagree with your landlord's proposed deductions, you can raise a dispute with the relevant scheme. The scheme appoints an independent adjudicator who reviews the evidence and makes a binding decision — for free.