How long do I have to protect a tenancy deposit?
Thirty days in England and Wales, thirty working days in Scotland — and the prescribed information must be served in the same window.
3 min read · Updated 2 August 2026
Overview
In England and Wales you must protect a deposit in an authorised scheme within 30 calendar days of receiving it, and serve the prescribed information on the tenant and anyone who paid on their behalf within the same 30 days. Scotland allows 30 working days; Northern Ireland requires protection within 28 days and notification within 35 days.
Common mistakes
- Assuming an agent has protected it without seeing the certificate.
- Protecting on time but never serving the prescribed information.
Practical guidance
- Treat the clock as starting the day the money reaches you or your agent, not the tenancy start date.
- Protect and serve on the same day — the two duties are separate and both are enforced.
- Keep the scheme certificate and dated proof of service; without them you cannot prove compliance years later.
Related content
General information for UK landlords and letting agents, not legal advice. Rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — check your local requirements or take advice before acting.