Tenancy deposit protection: what landlords must do in England (2026)
Every deposit paid for a private tenancy in England must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days. This guide explains the three schemes, what your landlord can and cannot deduct, and what to do if something goes wrong.
The three approved schemes are the Deposit Protection Service (DPS), MyDeposits, and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS). You can check all three free of charge using your name and the property address.
If a deposit was not protected within 30 days, the landlord faces a penalty of 1 to 3 times the deposit amount. This right survives even if the deposit has been returned and even if the tenancy has ended — you have up to six years to claim.
Free checkers
- Deposit checker
Check whether your deposit was protected, prescribed information served, and whether deductions appear justified. - Tenant rights guide
All eight tenant rights explained with links to the relevant free checker.
Related guidance inside this topic
- If your next step turns on deposit protection and deduction disputes, read Section 21 checker.
- For the dates, forms, and evidence behind deposit protection and deduction disputes, see Section 21 notice defect guide before you respond.
- If this issue overlaps with deposit protection and deduction disputes, check Section 21 validity guides to compare the legal tests.
- For a fuller breakdown of deposit protection and deduction disputes, use England tenant rights guide for the underlying rule set.
- If you need the route-specific rules on deposit protection and deduction disputes, start with renter checklist guide so you can check the dates and documents against your own case.
Related articles
- Section 21 abolished: what happens now?
The transition guide for pre-cutoff notices, the 1 May 2026 changeover, and when possession analysis switches to Section 8. - Old rules vs new rules after May 2026
The side-by-side transition guide for Section 21, Section 8, rent increases, and periodic tenancies after 1 May 2026. - Renters' Rights Act 2026: complete guide
The main reform guide covering Section 21 abolition, Section 8, rent increases, pets, and private rented sector enforcement changes. - No gas safety certificate? Your eviction rights
How gas safety defects can affect a legacy Section 21 notice and what evidence matters. - Can my landlord evict me in 2026?
A route-selection guide for tenants trying to distinguish valid possession, informal pressure, and unlawful eviction.
Common questions
- How do I check if my deposit is protected?
- Check all three scheme websites: depositprotection.com (DPS), mydeposits.co.uk, and tenancydepositscheme.com (TDS). Each has a free tenant search using your name and property address.
- What happens if my landlord didn't protect my deposit?
- You can claim 1 to 3 times the deposit amount in the county court under section 214 of the Housing Act 2004. This applies even if the deposit was later protected out of time, or has since been returned. You have six years from the end of the tenancy to bring a claim.
- Can my landlord keep my full deposit?
- Only in very unusual circumstances. Deductions must be itemised and evidenced. The landlord cannot deduct for fair wear and tear, pre-existing damage, or anything not in the original inventory. Disputes go through the scheme's free ADR process.
- What is prescribed information and what must it include?
- Prescribed information is the written deposit information your landlord must give you within 30 days of receiving the deposit. It must include: the scheme name and address; the deposit amount; the tenancy address; the names of the landlord and tenant; how to apply for return of the deposit; the circumstances in which deductions may be made; and the scheme's dispute resolution procedure.
- Can a landlord serve a Section 21 if the deposit isn't protected?
- No. Non-protection bars a legacy Section 21 notice under section 215 of the Housing Act 2004. Under the post-1 May 2026 regime, the landlord must use Section 8 anyway, but the penalty claim for deposit non-protection remains available regardless.
Use the interactive checker on getrentersrights.com for the full step-by-step result.