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Paid a tenancy deposit in England? How to check it's protected

If you rent privately in England and paid a deposit, your landlord or letting agent must usually put it in one of three government-approved deposit protection schemes within 30 days. This guide shows how to check it yourself in a few minutes, what written information you should have received, and what you can do if the deposit was not protected or you cannot agree on getting it back.

Reviewed 07/11/2026 · Applies to: England

Who this helps

Private tenants in England, including newcomers renting for the first time, who have paid a deposit and want to make sure it is safe.

What to do

  1. Check the date you paid your deposit. Your landlord or letting agent must protect it in an approved scheme within 30 days of receiving it. This applies even if a parent, friend or employer paid it for you.
  2. Search the three approved schemes yourself: the Deposit Protection Service, MyDeposits and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. Enter details such as your postcode, surname and tenancy start date (usually on your tenancy agreement). If you share the tenancy, also try your housemates' names; if you renewed, try each start date. If nothing comes up, phone each scheme.
  3. Check you received the required written information. Within 30 days of taking your deposit, the landlord must tell you the property address, the deposit amount, how and with which scheme it is protected (including the scheme's dispute service contact details), their own contact details, why they might keep some or all of it, and how to ask for it back.
  4. If your deposit is not protected, write to your landlord or agent first, asking them to explain and to put things right. GOV.UK says this can be quicker and cheaper than going to court. You do not lose your right to claim by waiting, but keep copies of everything.
  5. If writing does not work, you can apply to your local county court using form N208. You do not need a solicitor, but getting advice first is recommended. The court fee is £387, which you can claim back if you win, and you may get help with the fee if you are on certain benefits or a low income.
  6. Know what the court can order. If it finds the deposit was not protected, it can order the landlord to repay it or pay it into a scheme within 14 days, and can also order the landlord to pay you up to three times the deposit.
  7. At the end of your tenancy, ask for your deposit back in writing. Once you and your landlord agree how much you will get, it must be returned within 10 days. If you disagree about deductions, the deposit stays protected in the scheme until the dispute is settled, and you can use the scheme's dispute resolution service.

Before you act

  • England only. Wales uses the same three schemes but has its own guidance; Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate schemes and rules.
  • Since 1 May 2026, most private tenancies in England are assured periodic tenancies. Some older or unusual tenancies (for example where you are an excluded occupier) do not need deposit protection; check your housing status with Citizens Advice if unsure.
  • If you have received a notice to leave, see our separate guide on landlord notices and get advice quickly: problems with deposit protection can affect whether a court will grant possession.
  • This is general information, not legal advice. Speak to Citizens Advice, Shelter or a housing solicitor before going to court.

Take the next step

Continue to the provider’s website to check the latest details and use the service.

Official guide to tenancy deposit protection for tenants ↗

Destination: www.gov.uk

Sources

MyAgumba explains the sources above. Eligibility and availability depend on your circumstances and the provider’s current rules.