Tenancy deposit protection: how to check yours is safe
If you rent from a private landlord in England or Wales on an assured shorthold or equivalent tenancy, your deposit should be protected in a government-approved scheme. Here is how to check.
The rule
Your landlord or agent must put your deposit in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days of receiving it, and give you 'prescribed information' explaining which scheme holds it and how to get it back.
The approved schemes in England
Each scheme has an online search where you can check your deposit using details such as your surname, postcode and deposit amount.
- Deposit Protection Service (DPS)
- MyDeposits
- Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)
What the prescribed information should include
Look for a document, often sent with or after the tenancy agreement, that sets out:
- The scheme name and contact details.
- The deposit amount and the property address.
- How to apply to get the deposit back and what happens in a dispute.
If it isn't protected
Raise it with your landlord in writing first. If they still fail to protect it, you can apply to court; the court can order the deposit to be protected or repaid and may award compensation. An unprotected deposit can also affect a landlord's ability to use certain eviction routes. Get advice from Shelter or Citizens Advice before taking action.
Quick recap
Protected within 30 days, in one of three schemes, with written information. Check online today.
Published 22 October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules can change and may differ across the UK — check the official sources below for your situation.
Sources
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