Deposit Protection
The requirement for a landlord to place a tenant's deposit in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days of receiving it, and to return it within 10 days of both parties agreeing the amount at the end of the tenancy. Introduced by the Housing Act 2004.
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
Official guidance states the duty plainly: 'Your landlord must put your deposit in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme (TDP) if you rent your home on an assured shorthold tenancy that started after 6 April 2007', naming the three approved English and Welsh schemes as the Deposit Protection Service, MyDeposits, and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. The purpose is to guarantee return of the money where the tenant meets their side of the bargain: the scheme makes 'sure you'll get your deposit back if you: meet the terms of your tenancy agreement; do not damage the property; pay your rent and bills.' The landlord is on a clock: they 'must put your deposit in the scheme within 30 days of getting it.'
There is a second time limit at the other end of the tenancy: 'Your landlord must return your deposit within 10 days of you both agreeing how much you'll get back', and if there is a dispute instead of agreement, 'your deposit will be protected in the TDP scheme until the issue is sorted out.' The duty also extends beyond deposits paid directly by the tenant: 'Your landlord must use a TDP scheme even if your deposit is paid by someone else, such as a rent deposit scheme or your parents.' This guidance, current when consulted, is framed around the assured shorthold tenancy; readers should note that ASTs were abolished for lettings from 1 May 2026 by the Renters' Rights Act 2025 (see 'Assured Shorthold Tenancy').
Related terms
Official sources
This explanation is drawn from the official sources below; every substantive statement is verified against them. For advice on a specific matter, see our find help page.