Tenancy deposits

Provisions regarding paying a deposit to secure rented accommodation and recovering the deposit at the end of the tenancy.

This content applies to England
  • Tenancy deposit rules

    Definition and general information about deposits, including offsetting rent against deposit and statutory control on amounts.

  • Tenancy deposit protection

    Rules for protecting a deposit received on or after 6 April 2007 in a tenancy deposit protection scheme, including when a tenancy is renewed on or after that date.

  • Prescribed information

    List of prescribed information that must be served on the tenant to comply with the requirements of the tenancy deposit protection legislation.

  • Time limits for compliance

    A landlord or agent must protect a deposit paid by an assured shorthold tenant and provide the prescribed information within the statutory time limit.

  • Deposit claims against landlords

    Landlords may be liable to repay the deposit in addition to paying a sum between one and three times the amount of the deposit paid.

  • Tenancy deposit protection schemes

    Tenancy deposit protection schemes can either be custodial or insurance-backed, each having their own terms and conditions.

  • Return of deposits from custodial schemes

    Return of the deposit under a custodial scheme, and potential disputes, including in cases of absent or uncooperative landlord or tenant.

  • Return of deposits from insurance schemes

    Return of the deposit under an insurance scheme, and potential disputes, including in cases of absent or uncooperative landlord or tenant.

  • End of deposit protection

    A deposit can cease to be protected under an insurance scheme before the tenancy comes to an end when a landlord's membership of the scheme is terminated.

  • Disputes about return of tenancy deposits

    Tenancy deposits disputes can be resolved through the scheme's alternative dispute resolution (ADR) service or the courts.

  • When a landlord changes

    A new landlord will usually take on the responsibility for the return of the deposit and must comply with the rules of the deposit protection scheme.