If you rent your home on an assured shorthold tenancy that started after April 6, 2007, your landlord must put your deposit into a government-backed tenancy deposit scheme.
In England, deposits can be registered with these government-backed schemes:
- Deposit Protection Service (custodial and insured)
- My deposits (including deposits that were held by Capita)
- Tenancy Deposit Scheme
When renting privately, you will usually have to pay a deposit to the landlord before you move in. If you have difficulties with finding the deposit for a private sector tenancy, contact our Housing Needs team on 01509 634567 for advice and assistance.
At the end of a tenancy
All private landlords and lettings agents must put each tenant's deposit into a TDP within 30 days of receiving it.
These schemes make sure that you will get your deposit back if you:
- Meet the terms of your tenancy agreement
- Don’t damage the property
- Pay your rent and bills
Your landlord must return you deposit within 10 days of agreeing how much you will get back. If you are in a dispute with your landlord, then the deposit will be protected in the TDP scheme until the issue is sorted out.
For information and advice about compensation claims and getting your deposit back, go to Tenancy deposit compensation claims.
Redress schemes
It became a legal requirement on October 1, 2014, for all lettings agents and property managers in England to belong to a government approved redress scheme.
The three approved schemes are:
If you are concerned that your letting agent or property manager does not belong to an approved redress scheme, you should contact the Private Housing team on 01509 63 4651 or email private.housing@charnwood.gov.uk.
Last updated: Tue 11th October, 2022 @ 15:54