Check your tenancy deposit is protected
Your landlord or agent must put your tenancy deposit in a deposit protection scheme if you have an assured shorthold tenancy.
They do not have to protect your deposit if you are a lodger.
There are 3 government approved schemes.
Your landlord or agent chooses the scheme.
They must give you written information to tell you where your deposit is protected.
How to check
You need a postcode, surname, tenancy start date and deposit amount to search.
Deposit Protection Service (DPS)
0330 303 0030
mydeposits
0333 321 9401
Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)
0300 037 1000 (insurance scheme - landlord holds the deposit)
0300 037 1001 (custodial scheme - scheme holds the deposit)
Call your scheme if you cannot get into your online account.
If you cannot find your deposit
If you have a joint tenancy, try searching using another tenant's surname.
Check the deposit protection rules to see when your deposit should have been protected.
What should happen to your deposit if your landlord or agent changes
When your landlord will not return your deposit
You can ask your scheme for help if your landlord will not return your deposit.
Last updated: 26 March 2023
