Can my landlord keep my deposit?

Only for specific reasons: damage beyond fair wear and tear, unpaid rent, or other tenancy obligations. Deductions must be itemised and evidenced. If you disagree, challenge them through the scheme's free dispute service.

What if my deposit was not protected?

If the landlord did not protect it in an approved scheme (DPS, MyDeposits, or TDS) within 30 days, you may claim 1 to 3 times the deposit through the county court. This applies even if the deposit has been returned.

Can I challenge unfair deductions?

Yes. If the deposit is protected, raise a dispute through the scheme's free ADR service. You will need your check-in report, photos, the tenancy agreement, and landlord correspondence.

What is the 30-day protection deadline?

Section 213(3) of the Housing Act 2004 requires the landlord to protect the deposit in an authorised scheme and serve the prescribed information on the tenant within 30 days of receiving the deposit. Missing this deadline, even by a single day, entitles you to claim 1 to 3 times the deposit amount and also prevents the landlord from serving a valid Section 21 notice.

Is this tool legal advice?

No. This tool provides general information based on the Housing Act 2004. If a court deadline is approaching, seek advice from Shelter (0808 800 4444) or Citizens Advice.

Check if your landlord handled your deposit correctly.

Reviewed by the Get Renters Rights teamRules last reviewed 29 May 2026How we build these checkers

Review deposit protection, prescribed information, return delays, deductions, evidence, and scheme dispute routes. Covers the Housing Act 2004 30-day rule and all three government-approved schemes.

Scope of this checker

Covers tenancy deposit protection, prescribed information, return delays, deductions, evidence, and scheme dispute routes in England. It does not calculate a guaranteed court award.

Free checkers

Checker hub
All free tenant rights checkers for England.
Deposit protection guide
30-day deadline, approved schemes, prescribed information, and what happens if a landlord fails to comply.

Sources used for this guide

These are primary legislation and public guidance sources that support the legal-information framework used on this page.

Housing Act 2004
Primary statute for tenancy deposit protection, HMO licensing, and local authority housing hazard enforcement.
GOV.UK: tenancy deposit protection
Government guidance on deposit protection schemes, deadlines, prescribed information, and dispute routes.
Citizens Advice: renting privately
Independent advice guidance for private renters, including deposits, rent increases, repairs, eviction, and landlord disputes.

Common questions

Can my landlord keep my deposit?: Only for specific reasons: damage beyond fair wear and tear, unpaid rent, or other tenancy obligations. Deductions must be itemised and evidenced. If you disagree, challenge them through the scheme's free dispute service.
What if my deposit was not protected?: If the landlord did not protect it in an approved scheme (DPS, MyDeposits, or TDS) within 30 days, you may claim 1 to 3 times the deposit through the county court. This applies even if the deposit has been returned.
Can I challenge unfair deductions?: Yes. If the deposit is protected, raise a dispute through the scheme's free ADR service. You will need your check-in report, photos, the tenancy agreement, and landlord correspondence.
What is the 30-day protection deadline?: Section 213(3) of the Housing Act 2004 requires the landlord to protect the deposit in an authorised scheme and serve the prescribed information on the tenant within 30 days of receiving the deposit. Missing this deadline, even by a single day, entitles you to claim 1 to 3 times the deposit amount and also prevents the landlord from serving a valid Section 21 notice.
Is this tool legal advice?: No. This tool provides general information based on the Housing Act 2004. If a court deadline is approaching, seek advice from Shelter (0808 800 4444) or Citizens Advice.

Use the interactive checker on getrentersrights.com for the full step-by-step result.