Updated 1 November 2026. This guide concerns tenancy deposits for assured periodic tenancies in England. Different arrangements apply to other types of occupation and elsewhere in the UK.
A tenancy deposit is intended to cover liabilities under the tenancy, rather than act as an unrestricted fund for the landlord. Government guidance says a deposit for an assured periodic tenancy must be placed in a government-approved protection scheme within thirty days of receipt. The timing starts when the money is received, not when someone later completes an administrative checklist.
Protection and information are separate checks
The government lists the Deposit Protection Service, MyDeposits and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme among the approved providers. A tenant should establish which scheme protects the money and how to contact it. An agent saying that the deposit is safe is not the same as providing the details needed to check the record.
Within thirty days, the landlord must also provide information including the property address, amount paid, how the deposit is protected, scheme and dispute-service contacts, and the landlord or agent’s details. The information should explain possible retention, repayment and what to do if there is a dispute or the landlord cannot be contacted. Details of a third party who paid the deposit are relevant too.
Keep a usable record from the start
Our practical suggestion is to keep the payment receipt, protection confirmation, required information, tenancy agreement and inventory together. Check that names, address and amount agree across the documents. If something is wrong or missing, ask for a written correction while the dates and correspondence are easy to locate.
Protection does not decide every possible deduction in advance. Clear start and end records help both parties discuss the property’s condition and any amounts being claimed. Keep original photographs and correspondence rather than relying only on a summary produced after a disagreement.
If the details cannot be confirmed
Ask the landlord or agent for the scheme name and reference, then use the scheme’s official contact route. Government guidance provides separate information about unprotected deposits and disputes. Obtain independent housing advice if compliance or the return of money is contested.
Do not assume that a general online article determines the outcome of a particular claim. The type of tenancy, payment dates, documents and evidence all need to be considered.