Late protection
My deposit was protected late
Protection after the 30th day does not undo the breach. You can still claim compensation, although late protection often affects how much a court awards.
Proving the date
- Your proof of payment shows when the landlord received the money.
- The scheme certificate shows the protection date.
- Count calendar days between the two — anything over 30 is late.
How courts view late protection
The award must be at least 1x the deposit. Courts consider how late it was, whether the landlord is a professional, and whether the tenant suffered any disadvantage when choosing within the 1x–3x range.
Effect on eviction
Once a deposit has been protected (even late) and Prescribed Information served, a landlord can generally serve a section 21 notice again, but the compensation claim remains.
Frequently asked questions
Is a few days late really a breach?
Yes. Even one day late is a breach of s213, though the award may be closer to 1x.
Does late protection affect my claim deadline?
No. You generally have six years from the breach to bring a claim.
How much could you claim?
Use the free calculator to estimate your compensation and generate a letter before action.
Open the calculator