The law now
Tenancy deposits
England · last checked 8 October 2026
Any deposit must go into one of the three government-backed schemes: DPS, mydeposits or TDS. The custodial DPS scheme is free.
Do
- Protect the deposit within 30 days of receiving it.
- Give the tenant the scheme's "prescribed information" within the same 30 days, and keep proof you sent it.
- Agree any deductions in writing at the end, backed by the check-in and check-out reports.
- Return the deposit within 10 days of agreeing the amount.
Don't
- Don't hold a deposit outside a scheme, even for a few days past the deadline.
- Don't take more than five weeks' rent (six weeks if the yearly rent is £50,000 or more).
- Don't deduct for normal wear and tear.
Deadlines
- Protect and give the information
- Within 30 days
If you get it wrong
A court can order you to pay the tenant 1 to 3 times the deposit, and it weakens any possession claim.
In LetSync: Record the protection date on your Compliance page
Official sources
Stay on the right side of the law, without the paperwork
LetSync tracks your certificates, deposits, Right to Rent checks, rent and repair deadlines, and reminds you before anything runs out. Free for up to 5 homes.
Start freeThis guide is general information about the law in England, not legal advice. Laws and dates change, so check GOV.UK or ask a solicitor before acting on anything serious, such as asking a tenant to leave. Last checked 8 October 2026.