Tenancy Deposit Protection Explained
How your deposit is protected in England — the schemes, the 30-day rule, the five-week cap, and how disputes are resolved.
Founder & Director, SPL Agency · 21 June 2026
When you pay a deposit on an assured shorthold tenancy in England, the law says it must be protected. Here's how that works and what it means for getting your money back.
Your deposit must be protected
Within 30 days of receiving your deposit, the landlord or agent must protect it in a government-approved scheme — the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS), the Deposit Protection Service (DPS) or MyDeposits — and give you the "prescribed information" telling you where it's held.
How much can be taken?
Since the Tenant Fees Act 2019, a deposit is capped at five weeks' rent where the annual rent is under £50,000 (six weeks above that). You should not be charged banned letting fees on top.
Getting your deposit back
At the end of the tenancy your deposit is returned, minus any agreed deductions for damage beyond fair wear and tear, or unpaid rent. If you and the landlord disagree, the scheme offers a free dispute resolution service that decides based on the evidence — so keep your inventory and check-out report.
How SPL Agency handles it
We protect every deposit in an approved scheme, serve the prescribed information, and keep the paperwork tidy so deposits are returned smoothly. See the complete renting guide or browse properties.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly must my deposit be protected?
Within 30 days of the landlord or agent receiving it, your deposit must be placed in a government-approved scheme and you must be given the prescribed information about where it is held.
What is the maximum deposit a landlord can take?
Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 the deposit is capped at five weeks' rent where annual rent is under £50,000 (six weeks where it is higher).
What happens if we disagree about deductions?
The deposit scheme provides a free dispute resolution service that decides the outcome based on the evidence, such as the inventory and check-out report, so keep those documents.