Deposit protection rules for landlords: the 30-day deadline
Updated 15 October 2026 · 4 min read
Deposit mistakes are one of the most common and expensive landlord errors, because the penalty is a multiple of the deposit. The rules are simple once they're written down.
The rules
- Protect the deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receiving it: Deposit Protection Service (DPS), mydeposits or Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS).
- Give the tenant the prescribed information within the same 30 days.
- Cap the deposit at five weeks' rent where the annual rent is under £50,000, or six weeks' rent above that.
- Cap a holding deposit at one week's rent.
- Return the deposit within 10 days of agreeing the amount at the end of the tenancy.
What the prescribed information includes
- The scheme's name and contact details, and how its dispute service works.
- The deposit amount, the property address and your contact details.
- When and why you can keep some or all of the deposit.
- What to do if you can't be contacted at the end of the tenancy.
The penalty
If you're late protecting the deposit or giving the prescribed information, a court can order you to pay the tenant between one and three times the deposit. It can also affect your ability to get the property back.
Custodial or insured?
With a custodial scheme the scheme holds the money for free. With an insured scheme you hold it and pay a fee. Either is fine, as long as it's protected within 30 days.
Common questions
- How long do I have to protect a deposit?
- 30 days from receiving it. The prescribed information must be given within the same 30 days.
- What's the maximum deposit I can take?
- Five weeks' rent if the annual rent is under £50,000, or six weeks' rent if it's £50,000 or more.
- What happens if I protect the deposit late?
- The tenant can claim compensation of one to three times the deposit, and late protection can affect possession proceedings.
Sources and small print
This guide is general information for landlords in England, not legal advice. Rules and dates change, so check GOV.UK or take advice before acting.