My Deposit Wasn't Protected - What Can I Do?

If your landlord hasn't protected your deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receiving it, they have broken the law. You could be entitled to compensation of between 1 and 3 times your deposit amount.

You can search each scheme's website using your name, address, and tenancy start date. Your landlord should have given you a certificate with details of which scheme holds your deposit.

First, write to your landlord asking them to protect the deposit and provide the prescribed information. Give them 14 days to respond. Keep a copy of your letter.

If your landlord doesn't comply, you can make a claim in the county court. You don't need a solicitor for this. The court can order your landlord to repay the deposit and pay you compensation of 1-3 times the deposit amount.