Tenancy Deposit Protection

Since 6 April 2007, all deposits (for rent up to £25,000 per annum) taken by landlords and agents for assured shorthold tenancies (AST) in England and Wales have had to be protected by an authorised tenancy deposit scheme. (ASTs are the usual tenancies made between a private landlord and his tenants.)

To avoid disputes going to court, each scheme is supported by an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) service, whose aim is to make disputes over the repayment of the deposit faster and cheaper to resolve.

News releases and announcements

Communities and Local Government News Release, 2 April 2008 - £885m of tenants' cash safeguarded
Communities and Local Government News Release, 5 October 2007 - Tenant deposits now safer
Communities and Local Government News Release, 31 May 2007 - Tenancy Deposit Protection shows early success
The Government awarded contracts to three companies to run tenancy deposit protection schemes from 6 April 2007. For more details see Who runs the tenancy deposit protection schemes?

Leaflets and posters for tenants, landlords and letting agents are available on the DirectGov (external link) website.