TENANCIES
Protecting a tenancy deposit: the 30-day rule
How to protect an assured shorthold tenancy deposit in a government-backed scheme, what prescribed information is and the penalties for getting it wrong.
Last reviewed 27 September 2026 · 3 min read
If you take a deposit for an assured shorthold tenancy in England, you must protect it in a government-backed tenancy deposit scheme.
What you must do
- Protect the deposit with one of the approved schemes (the Deposit Protection Service, mydeposits or the Tenancy Deposit Scheme) within 30 days of receiving it.
- Give your tenants the 'prescribed information' about where and how the deposit is protected within the same 30 days.
- Return the deposit within 10 days of agreeing the amount at the end of the tenancy.
If you don't
Tenants can apply to court, which can order you to pay compensation of between one and three times the deposit, and not protecting a deposit can limit your ability to regain possession of the property.
Official guidance
This guide is general information for landlords in England and isn’t legal advice. Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and can change. Always check the official guidance or take professional advice for your situation.