If you pay a deposit for an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) in England, your landlord is legally required to protect it in a government-approved scheme, usually within 30 days of receiving it.

The three approved schemes

  • Deposit Protection Service (DPS)
  • MyDeposits
  • Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)

Your landlord or agent must give you certain information within the same 30-day window, including which scheme is being used and the scheme's own leaflet explaining your rights.

If your deposit isn't protected: you may be able to apply to court for compensation of up to three times the deposit amount, and your landlord may face restrictions on ending your tenancy through certain routes.

Getting your deposit back at the end of the tenancy

  • Request a check-out inspection and compare it against the check-in inventory
  • Take dated photos of the property's condition when you leave
  • Query any proposed deductions in writing before agreeing to them
  • Use the scheme's free dispute resolution service if you and your landlord can't agree

What can a landlord deduct for?

Typically damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, or missing items listed on the inventory — not for general wear that would be expected over the length of your tenancy.

Do all deposits need to be protected?

Deposit protection applies to ASTs in England and Wales specifically. Other tenancy types, and deposits held for reasons other than an AST, may not be covered in the same way — check with the relevant scheme if you're unsure.

This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Rules can differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.