How to Protect a Tenant Deposit in 30 Days

Last updated:

Choose a government scheme (DPS, TDS, or MyDeposits), register and pay the deposit within 30 days of receipt, download the certificate and prescribed information, then serve the prescribed information on all tenants within the same 30 days.

Track this automatically with LandlordOS - free for 1-2 properties

Step 1: Receive the deposit

Note the exact date the deposit payment clears. Your 30-day deadline runs from this date, not from when the tenancy starts.

Step 2: Choose a deposit protection scheme

Three government-approved schemes exist. Each offers custodial (scheme holds money, free) or insured (you hold money, pay fee) options.

  • DPS (Deposit Protection Service) - Custodial only, free
  • TDS (Tenancy Deposit Scheme) - Custodial or Insured
  • MyDeposits - Custodial or Insured

Step 3: Register the deposit

Create an account with your chosen scheme. Enter the tenancy details, deposit amount, landlord and tenant information. Double-check everything is accurate.

Step 4: Pay or transfer the deposit

Custodial: Transfer the deposit to the scheme. Insured: Pay the protection fee (you keep the deposit).

Step 5: Download protection certificate

Once registered, download the protection certificate. This confirms the deposit is protected and shows the scheme details.

Step 6: Get prescribed information

Download the prescribed information document from the scheme. This is separate from the certificate and contains specific information the tenant needs.

Step 7: Serve prescribed information on ALL tenants

Give the prescribed information to every person named on the tenancy—not just one. Keep proof of service (email receipts, signed acknowledgments).

Step 8: Keep proof of everything

Store the certificate, prescribed information, and proof of service safely. You may need these years later if there's a dispute or you need to serve Section 21.

Managing this yourself?

LandlordOS helps UK landlords stay compliant and organised:

  • Automatic compliance reminders for Gas Safety, EICR, EPC
  • Document storage with AI-powered certificate reading
  • Tenancy tracking and rent management
Try Free - No Card Required

LandlordOS tip

Do this the day you receive the deposit. Waiting creates risk. Set up your scheme account before tenancies start so you can protect deposits immediately.

Sources