Check your tenancy deposit is protected
The law is changing
The Renters' Rights Act becomes law this autumn.
It means big changes for most private renters next year.
How your tenancy rights will change in 2026.
For now, your rights stay the same.
Find which scheme protects your deposit
Your tenancy deposit must be protected if you have an assured shorthold tenancy (AST).
There are 3 deposit protection schemes. Your landlord or agent chooses the scheme.
Your landlord must give you written information to tell you where your deposit is protected.
Check which scheme your deposit is registered with.
You need a postcode, surname, tenancy start date and deposit amount to search.
Deposit Protection Service (DPS)
0330 303 0030
email or chat with DPSmydeposits
0333 321 9401
email or chat with mydepositsTenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)
0300 037 1000 - insurance scheme
0300 037 1001 - custodial scheme
email or chat with TDS
Call or email your scheme if you cannot get into your online account.
0300 and 0333 numbers are not free but are included in mobile and landline call bundles.
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.
Find out what should happen to your deposit if your landlord or agent has changed.
If your landlord will not return your deposit
See: How to get your deposit back.
All the deposit protection schemes offer free dispute resolution.
How to raise a dispute
You can do this through your scheme's website:
Deposit Protection Service (DPS) - 0330 303 0030
Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) - 0300 037 1000
mydeposits - 0333 321 9401
0300 and 0333 numbers are not free but are included in mobile and landline call bundles.
Last updated: 28 September 2025
