My deposit isn’t protected — what are my rights?

Updated July 2026 · Facts with official sources. Not legal advice — a court decides each case.

You paid a deposit. You have a bad feeling. Maybe the landlord never mentioned a scheme. Here is how to check in ten minutes — and what the law says if the answer is “not protected”.

The rule: 30 days, one of three schemes

For an assured shorthold tenancy in England and Wales, the landlord must protect your deposit within 30 days of receiving it. Only three schemes count: DPS, TDS and mydeposits. Nothing else qualifies — not a “separate bank account”, not a promise.

The landlord must also give you written “prescribed information”. It names the scheme, explains how to get your money back and how disputes work. Details: GOV.UK — tenancy deposit protection.

How to check, step by step

1. Gather four facts: property postcode, the surname on the tenancy, deposit amount, tenancy start date.
2. Check DPS — “Is my deposit protected?”.
3. Check TDS — deposit checker.
4. Check mydeposits — deposit checker.
5. Try surname variations: with and without a middle name, joint tenant’s surname too. Deposits are sometimes registered under one tenant only.
6. Screenshot every result with the date visible. “Searched all three schemes on 11 July” is evidence; a memory is not.

Not protected? The law provides compensation

If the deposit was not protected in time, or prescribed information never arrived, you can apply to the county court. The court can order the landlord to pay 1 to 3 times the deposit — on top of returning the deposit itself.

The exact multiple is the court’s decision. It depends on how late protection was, whether it was fixed, and the landlord’s behaviour. Nobody can honestly promise you “3x”. The right exists; the outcome is judged.

One more fact: an unprotected deposit historically blocked “no-fault” eviction notices, and paperwork failures still weigh against a landlord in possession cases. Shelter explains the current position: Shelter — tenancy deposits.

What to do about it, step by step

1. Save evidence: tenancy agreement, proof of payment, scheme search screenshots with dates.
2. Write to the landlord first. Ask, in writing, where the deposit is held. Keep the reply — or note the silence.
3. Read Shelter and Citizens Advice before any claim. Free advisers exist — use them.
4. Consider the timing. You can claim during the tenancy or after moving out. Many tenants wait until they have left.
5. Court is the last step, not the first. Many cases settle after one well-written letter.

While you are at it

A landlord careless with deposits is often careless elsewhere. Check the company status and the home’s EPC in two minutes — our full check guide shows the order. If the home is shared, licensing matters too: see the HMO licence guide.

Rent Radar walks you through all three scheme searches and dates your results. Free and anonymous.

FAQ

How do I check if my deposit is protected?

Run the free public checkers of all three government-approved schemes: DPS, TDS and mydeposits. You need your postcode, surname, deposit amount and tenancy start date. Ten minutes covers all three.

How much compensation can I get for an unprotected deposit?

A county court can order the landlord to pay 1 to 3 times the deposit, on top of returning the deposit itself. The exact multiple is the court’s decision, case by case.

Is there a deadline for claiming?

Claims are generally brought within 6 years for breach-based money claims. You can claim during the tenancy or after it ends. Check your dates with Shelter or Citizens Advice first.

My landlord protected the deposit late. Does that still count?

Late protection is still a breach of the 30-day rule. Courts can award compensation even if the money was protected eventually. Fixing it late helps the landlord’s case but does not erase the breach.

Every result shows the register and the date. For action, use GOV.UK, Shelter or Citizens Advice.