A deposit is protected in a government-approved scheme and the tenant is told how. Each line below states what the linked Act or GOV.UK page says.
Not legal advice. Every figure on this page states what the linked gov.uk page says.
Comply with the scheme's initial requirements within 30 days of receiving the deposit. Give the tenant and any relevant person the prescribed information within the same 30 days.
Source: legislation.gov.uk: Housing Act 2004, section 213, checked on 13 October 2026.
Source: GOV.UK: Deposit protection schemes and landlords, checked on 13 October 2026.
From 1 May 2026 the deposit rules in the Housing Act 2004 refer to assured tenancies, not only assured shorthold tenancies. Transitional provisions apply.
Source: legislation.gov.uk: Housing Act 2004, section 212, checked on 13 October 2026.
The tenant can apply to the county court. If the court finds the rules were not followed, it must order you to pay at least the amount of the deposit and up to three times it. You pay within 14 days of the order.
Source: legislation.gov.uk: Housing Act 2004, section 214, checked on 13 October 2026.
A court can only make a possession order if the deposit is held in an authorised scheme and the prescribed information was given.
This does not apply to a possession order on Ground 7A or Ground 14. It also stops applying once the deposit is returned in full or with agreed deductions. The same goes once a court claim about the deposit is decided, withdrawn or settled.
Sources: legislation.gov.uk: Housing Act 2004, section 215, checked on 13 October 2026; GOV.UK: Renters' Rights Act: an overview for landlords, checked on 10 October 2026.
Letward does not hold or protect deposits. It logs the date you gave the tenant the prescribed information and how you gave it.
Check your register window, freeEach source shows the date it was last checked. Each guide states what the linked official source says, with the dates and nothing more. England only.