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Landlords & Property2 min check
Tenancy Deposit Protection Checker
Step 1 of 20%
How it works
We check timing (received vs protected), scheme registration, and whether prescribed information was issued. Any failure removes the right to use Section 21 until rectified, and the tenant can claim a court penalty.
Worked example
Deposit £1,500 received 1 March, protected 5 April (35 days late) → breach. Tenant can claim 1×–3× = £1,500–£4,500 in court, and landlord cannot serve s.21 until deposit is returned in full.
Who should use this
- •Landlords self-managing tenancies
- •Letting agents auditing compliance
- •Tenants checking their deposit is properly protected
Common mistakes
- ×Protecting late and assuming a refund fixes it (penalty still claimable)
- ×Not re-issuing prescribed information at renewal (post-Superstrike)
- ×Holiday lets / lodgers — protection rules are different
- ×Using a non-approved scheme abroad
Frequently asked questions
How do I check my deposit is protected?▾
Search the DPS, MyDeposits or TDS website with your postcode and tenancy start date.
Can the deposit be more than 5 weeks rent?▾
No — Tenant Fees Act 2019 caps deposits at 5 weeks' rent (or 6 if annual rent exceeds £50k).
What's prescribed information?▾
A document setting out scheme details, dispute process and the deposit terms — must be given to all relevant persons (tenants and guarantors).