If you take a deposit on an assured periodic tenancy, you must put it in a government-approved tenancy deposit protection scheme within 30 days of getting it. Within the same 30 days you must give the tenant the scheme details and other required information. If you do not, a court can order you to pay the tenant up to 3 times the deposit.
Step by step
- Choose a schemeDeposit Protection Service, MyDeposits or Tenancy Deposit Scheme.
- Protect it within 30 daysCounting the day you receive the deposit as day 1.
- Give the informationWithin 30 days, tell the tenant the scheme details, the dispute service and the other required information.
- Return it on timeWithin 10 days of agreeing how much the tenant gets back.
This guide covers the rules in England (Housing Act 2004). In Wales, assured and assured shorthold tenancies were replaced by occupation contracts on 1 December 2022; the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 has similar 30-day rules for deposits, with its own consequences if you miss them.
Approved schemes in England
- Deposit Protection Service (Custodial and Insured)
- MyDeposits
- Tenancy Deposit Scheme
Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate schemes.
Worked example. A tenant pays a deposit on 4 November 2026. It must be protected, and the information given, by 3 December 2026 (the 30 days include the day you receive it).
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to protect a deposit?
30 days, counting the day you receive it as day 1.
What happens if I do not protect the deposit?
The tenant can apply to court, which can order you to pay up to 3 times the deposit.
When must I return the deposit?
Within 10 days of you and the tenant agreeing how much they get back.
What if we disagree about deductions?
The deposit stays protected in the scheme until the dispute is sorted out. Schemes offer a free dispute resolution service.
Sources
- Tenancy deposit protection – GOV.UK
- Housing Act 2004, section 213 – legislation.gov.uk
- Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, section 45 – legislation.gov.uk
Related guides
- LandlordsMaking Tax Digital for landlords: quarterly update deadlines for 2026/27
- LandlordsHow to increase the rent: section 13 and Form 4A
- LandlordsLandlord gas safety certificates: the rules and deadlines
- LandlordsEICR for landlords: electrical safety checks in England
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Last checked 4 November 2026. Rules change; check the sources above.