Deposit Protection Is a Legal Requirement
Any landlord taking a deposit for an Assured Shorthold Tenancy in England and Wales must protect it in one of three Government-approved schemes — the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS), MyDeposits, or the Deposit Protection Service (DPS) — within 30 days of receiving it. This is a legal requirement, not optional, and protects you if there's a dispute about deductions at the end of your tenancy.
How to Check Your Deposit Is Protected
Your landlord must provide you with confirmation of which scheme your deposit is registered with, including a certificate or reference number, within 30 days. If you don't receive this, contact your landlord directly, and if unresolved, you can check with the schemes directly or seek advice from your university's accommodation or advice service.
What a Tenancy Agreement Should Include
- The exact deposit amount and which protection scheme it's registered with
- Monthly rent amount and payment date
- Tenancy length and notice period requirements
- Who is responsible for specific bills (some rentals include bills, others don't)
- An inventory of the property's condition and existing furniture/fixtures at move-in
Getting Your Deposit Back
Take dated photos of the property's condition at move-in and move-out. Reasonable wear and tear is not deductible — only genuine damage beyond normal use. If your landlord makes unfair deductions, the deposit protection scheme offers a free dispute resolution service, which is faster and cheaper than going to court.
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