Student Advice Centre

Tenancy Deposit Scheme

Most agents/landlords will ask you to pay deposits which usually amount to 1 months’ rent, but could be more.

From 6th April 2007 landlords or agents taking a deposit must register your money into a government authorised scheme. There are currently 3 Tenancy Deposit Schemes they could choose from;

• Tenancy Deposit Solutions Ltd. - info@mydeposits.co.uk
• The Tenancy Deposit Scheme - 0845 226 7837
• The Deposit Protection Service - 0870 707 1707

Within 14 days of accepting your deposits the landlord or agent is required to give you details about how your deposit is protected included;

• The contact details of the tenancy deposit scheme
• The contact details of the landlord or agent
• How to apply for the release of the deposit
• Information explaining the purpose of the deposit
• What to do if there is a dispute about the deposit

If your landlord or agent fails to protect the deposit, or give you the prescribed information, you could apply to your local county court. The court can order the landlord or agent to either repay the deposit to you or protect it in a scheme. Your landlord or agent will be ordered to compensate you 3 times the amount of the deposit paid.

Once you have complied with your obligations as a tenant at the end of your tenancy and if there is no dispute the money should be returned to you within 10 days.