✓DisputeKit

For tenants in England and Scotland

Was your deposit protected on time?

If your landlord didn't put your deposit in a government-backed scheme on time, or never gave you the scheme details, you can claim up to three times the deposit. Check in a minute, for free. Then get the letter that asks for it.

Step 1 · Your tenancy

Step 2 · Protection

Not sure? Ask DPS, TDS and mydeposits (England) or SafeDeposits Scotland, Letting Protection Service Scotland and mydeposits Scotland. Each will confirm by email whether they hold it.

Step 3 · For the letter

Your result

Enter your dates to check.

    Letter before claim

    Send it by email and recorded post. Most landlords settle once they see the amount a court must order.

    If they don't pay

    Deposit protected, but they're keeping some?

    Dispute unfair deductions

    If your deposit is in a scheme, the scheme's free dispute service decides. The landlord has to prove every deduction. List each one and why it's unfair, and you get a numbered statement to paste into the scheme's form. The DPS gives each side 14 days to send evidence once a dispute starts, so have it ready.

    Your statement

    Evidence to upload with it

    • Your own dated photos or video from moving in and moving out.
    • The check-in inventory, with any notes or comments you added.
    • Receipts for cleaning or repairs you paid for.
    • Messages where you reported problems during the tenancy.

    How deposit protection claims work

    England

    For an assured or assured shorthold tenancy, the landlord must protect the deposit in DPS, TDS or mydeposits within 30 days of receiving it, and give you the scheme's written information in the same time. If they don't, you can claim in the county court on form N208. The court must order them to pay you between one and three times the deposit. Paying late doesn't let a landlord escape the penalty. The court fee is £387, which you can claim back if you win. You don't need a solicitor.

    Scotland

    The landlord must protect the deposit within 30 working days of the tenancy starting, and send you the written information within 30 working days of protecting it. You apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) on Form G, for free, during the tenancy or within three months of it ending. The tribunal can award up to three times the deposit.

    Wales and Northern Ireland

    The rules are different there and aren't covered by this checker yet.

    Will my landlord get angry or evict me?

    In England, section 21 "no-fault" evictions ended on 1 May 2026, and a landlord who didn't protect a deposit already faced limits on using them. Ask Shelter or Citizens Advice if you're worried about your own situation.

    Is this legal advice?

    No. It's legal information and a letter template based on the published rules. For advice on your own case, contact Shelter, Citizens Advice or a solicitor. Claims firms often take a large share of what you win; this is a one-off fee and you keep all of it.

    Checked 14 October 2026 against GOV.UK (deposit protection and form N208) and Shelter England and Shelter Scotland guidance. Scottish working days here skip weekends but not bank holidays.