Tenant Deposit Protection — Your Rights
Tenant Deposit Protection — Your Rights
How UK tenancy deposit protection works and how to make sure yours is safe.
Last reviewed: May 2026
What this is
A guide to understanding UK tenancy deposit protection schemes — your rights, how to check if your deposit is protected, and what to do if it is not.
Why it matters
Your tenancy deposit is typically 5 weeks' rent. If your landlord does not protect it in a government-approved scheme, they are breaking the law and you may be entitled to compensation of up to 3 times your deposit amount. This takes five minutes to check — and protects your money.
What to prepare
- •Your deposit amount and date paid
- •Your tenancy agreement
- •The deposit protection scheme used (TDS, DPS, or MyDeposits)
Steps to take
- 1Check your tenancy agreement to see which scheme your landlord said they would use.
- 2Log in to the scheme's portal to verify your deposit is protected and the amount is correct.
- 3Your landlord must protect the deposit within 30 days of receiving it — if they have not, they owe you compensation.
- 4At the end of your tenancy, the scheme will handle the dispute process if you and your landlord disagree on deductions.
- 5Save the scheme certificate and contact details.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Not checking — many students do not know their deposit is unprotected until they try to claim it back.
- ✗Assuming your landlord will protect it — they are legally required to but not all do.
Important safety warning
If your deposit was not protected within 30 days, contact Shelter or a student housing advice service immediately. You may be entitled to compensation.
Official sources
TDS: tenancydepositscheme.com | DPS: depositprotection.com | MyDeposits: mydeposits.co.uk | Shelter: shelterengland.org
Disclaimer
Beginly provides general information about deposit protection. For legal advice, contact Shelter or a qualified solicitor.