Deposit protection
Lesson 5 of 13 in our free Housing & Renting guide: a 5-minute money game with the key points below.
Shown for England. Some rules here are different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: the lesson shows your nation's version.
This lesson is in the full version.
Free with a code from your uni, college, council, landlord or employer (worth £600/year). Lesson 1 of Housing & Renting is free for everyone.
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Questions you'll answer
Rent is £125 a week (annual rent under £50,000). What's the MAXIMUM tenancy deposit in England?
Two months in, your landlord hasn't told you which scheme your deposit is in. What do you do?
Quick facts
- Fact: “In Scotland, deposits must also be protected in an approved scheme.” — Within 30 working days of the tenancy starting, and capped at 2 months' rent.
- Myth: “Landlords can charge any deposit they like.” — In England it's capped at 5 weeks' rent (under £50,000 a year).
- Fact: “Deposit schemes offer free dispute resolution if you disagree about deductions.” — An independent adjudicator looks at the evidence. Photos at check-in are gold.