How To Protect A Deposit
Overview
What this guide covers
This guide explains how to protect a tenancy deposit correctly in England. It covers the three government-approved schemes, the 30-day deadline, what prescribed information must be served and the consequences of getting it wrong.
Who it is for
Any landlord who has received a deposit from a tenant for a private residential tenancy in England. Deposit protection is a legal requirement — there are no exceptions.
What this guide does not cover
- –Deposit disputes and deductions at the end of a tenancy (covered in How To Return A Deposit)
- –Deposits for lodger arrangements (different rules apply)
- –Deposits in Wales or Scotland (different legislation)
Before you start, you will need:
- ·The deposit amount received and the date it was received
- ·The tenant's full name and contact details
- ·The property address
- ·An account with one of the three government-approved schemes (TDS, DPS or MyDeposits)
When To Use This Guide
Use this guide when:
- ✓You have just received a deposit from a new tenant
- ✓You are taking over a property with an existing tenancy and need to re-protect the deposit
- ✓A tenant has changed and you need to re-protect in the new tenant's name
- ✓You are checking whether a deposit you protected previously is still valid
Do not use this guide if:
- ✗You are dealing with a deposit dispute at the end of a tenancy — use the How To Return A Deposit guide
- ✗You have not yet received the deposit — protect it within 30 days of receiving it, not before