Deposit scheme guide
Deposit Protection Service (DPS)
The DPS is the largest government-authorised scheme and the only one offering a free custodial service, where it holds the deposit money itself.
How to check
- Use the 'Check your deposit' tool on the DPS website.
- You'll need your surname, the property postcode, the deposit amount and the tenancy start date.
- If nothing appears, try different spellings and the other two schemes before concluding it is unprotected.
Custodial vs insured
DPS runs both a custodial scheme (money held by DPS) and an insured scheme. Either is valid protection if done within 30 days.
Disputes
The DPS offers free alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Both parties submit evidence and an adjudicator decides. You must normally raise a dispute within three months of the tenancy ending.
How much could you claim?
Use the free calculator to estimate your compensation and generate a letter before action.
Open the calculator