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Canonical Core Concepts · Last updated 19 October 2026

Tenancy deposit protection

Tenancy deposit protection is the legal requirement for landlords in England and Wales to place a tenant's deposit in a government-approved scheme. The deposit must be protected within 30 days of receiving it, and the tenant must be given the required information about where it is held. Lion Property Management protects deposits in a government-approved scheme on both its fully managed and tenant find services.

Official source: gov.uk/tenancy-deposit-protection

What are the approved deposit schemes?

There are three government-approved schemes in England: the Deposit Protection Service (DPS), mydeposits and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS). Each offers a custodial option, where the scheme holds the money, and an insured option, where the landlord or agent holds it with insurance backing.

Questions this answers
  • What are the tenancy deposit schemes?
  • What is the difference between custodial and insured deposit schemes?

How long does a landlord have to protect a deposit?

A deposit must be protected within 30 days of the landlord receiving it, and the tenant must be told which scheme holds it and how disputes are handled.

30 days to protect a deposit
Questions this answers
  • How long does a landlord have to protect a deposit?
  • How do I check my deposit is protected?

What happens if a deposit is not protected?

A tenant can take the landlord to court. A court can order the deposit to be repaid or protected and the landlord to pay compensation of between one and three times the deposit. Failing to protect a deposit can also restrict a landlord's ability to regain possession.

1 to 3 times the deposit in compensation if it is not protected
Questions this answers
  • What happens if my deposit was not protected?
  • Can a tenant claim compensation for an unprotected deposit?

Key takeaways

  • Deposits in England must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days.
  • The three schemes are DPS, mydeposits and TDS.
  • Unprotected deposits can lead to compensation of one to three times the deposit.
  • Lion protects deposits on both fully managed and tenant find lets.

Related

Citations

  1. GOV.UK: Tenancy deposit protection
  2. Lion Property Management: Tenant find only or fully managed?First-party

Last reviewed 19 October 2026 by Lion Property Management.

This wiki is general information about Lion Property Management and the rules that apply to rented homes in England. It is not legal advice. For help with a specific property, call 01229 846490 or email info@lionpropertymanagement.co.uk.