The 30-day deposit protection rule

When does the 30 days start?

The clock starts on the day the landlord or agent receives the money — not the day the tenancy starts. If you paid a holding deposit that was converted into the tenancy deposit, the 30 days usually runs from the date of conversion.

The days are calendar days. Weekends and bank holidays count, and there is no extension for late banking.

What must happen within 30 days?

• The deposit must be registered with one of the three government-authorised schemes: DPS, TDS or mydeposits (s213(3)).
• The landlord must comply with the scheme's initial requirements.
• You (and anyone who paid on your behalf) must be given the Prescribed Information (s213(5)–(6)).

What if they were late?

Late protection is still a breach. Under s214 the court must award between one and three times the deposit, even if the deposit was protected later. Late protection does, however, generally allow the landlord to then serve a valid section 21 notice.

Who does it apply to?

Assured shorthold tenancies in England and Wales where the tenancy started on or after 6 April 2007. Lodgers, company lets and tenancies with rent above £100,000 a year are not covered.