How to Serve Prescribed Information Correctly

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Serve prescribed information within 30 days of receiving the deposit. Include: scheme name and contact details, deposit amount, property address, landlord details, how to apply for return, and dispute resolution process. Serve on all tenants.

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Protecting the deposit is only part of the requirement. You must also serve prescribed information properly. Here's how.

Step 1: Protect the deposit with a scheme

Before you can get prescribed information, you need to register the deposit with a government-approved scheme (DPS, TDS, or MyDeposits). This step comes first.

Step 2: Download prescribed information from scheme

After registration, log into your deposit scheme account. Download the prescribed information document. Each scheme has its own format, but all contain the legally required information.

Step 3: Check all details are correct

Before serving, verify:

  • All tenant names spelled correctly
  • Property address accurate
  • Deposit amount correct
  • Your (landlord) details accurate
  • Scheme contact information included

Errors can cause problems later. Fix any mistakes before serving.

Step 4: Print copies for each tenant

Every named tenant needs their own copy. If there are three people on the tenancy, you need three copies to serve plus one for your records.

Step 5: Serve on all named tenants

Serve prescribed information on every person named on the tenancy agreement. Giving it to one tenant doesn't satisfy the requirement for others.

You can serve by:

  • Hand delivery: Give in person at the property
  • Post: Recorded delivery recommended
  • Email: If tenant has agreed to electronic service

Step 6: Get tenants to sign acknowledgment (recommended)

While not legally required, getting tenants to sign a receipt confirms they received the information. This protects you if there's ever a dispute about whether you served it.

A simple acknowledgment: "I confirm I received prescribed information about my deposit protection on [date]."

Step 7: Keep copies with proof of service

Store:

  • Copy of prescribed information
  • Proof of delivery (recorded delivery receipts, signed acknowledgments)
  • Date you served it

Keep these for the duration of the tenancy plus at least 6 years afterwards (limitation period for claims).

Frequently asked questions

What's the deadline?

30 days from when you receive the deposit. This is the same deadline for protection itself. Both must be done within this window.

What if a tenant moves out and another joins?

Serve prescribed information on the new tenant within 30 days of them paying their share of the deposit. They need to know about the protection too.

Is it different from the certificate?

Yes. The protection certificate confirms the deposit is protected. Prescribed information explains how protection works, how to get the deposit back, and how disputes are resolved. Both are required.

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LandlordOS tip

Serve prescribed information the same day you protect the deposit. Make it part of your standard process. Waiting creates risk—one administrative delay and you miss the 30-day window.

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