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Deposit prescribed information template

The information you must give a tenant within 30 days of taking their deposit.

Deposits · Updated 2 August 2026

Overview

When you take a deposit you must protect it in an approved scheme and give the tenant the prescribed information within 30 days. This template records everything the tenant is entitled to know.

Why it matters

Failing to serve prescribed information can lead to a penalty of one to three times the deposit and blocks some possession routes until it is put right.

Legal requirements

  • Protect the deposit in an approved scheme within 30 days of receipt.
  • Serve the prescribed information within the same 30 days.
  • Include the scheme details, deposit amount, property address, and how disputes are resolved.
  • Give a copy to anyone who paid the deposit on the tenant''s behalf.

Common mistakes

  • Protecting the deposit but never serving the information.
  • Serving it only to the lead tenant in a joint tenancy.
  • Not re-serving after a material change such as a new landlord.

Practical guidance

  • Serve it with the signed agreement so there is one dated bundle.
  • Keep the scheme certificate with the prescribed information.
  • Ask the tenant to acknowledge receipt in writing.

The template

Replace everything in [SQUARE BRACKETS] with your own details before use.

PRESCRIBED INFORMATION — TENANCY DEPOSIT

Property: [FULL ADDRESS]
Tenancy start date: [DATE]
Tenant(s): [FULL NAME(S)]
Anyone else who paid the deposit: [NAME AND ADDRESS, OR NONE]

DEPOSIT
Amount received: GBP [AMOUNT]
Date received:   [DATE]
Protected in:    [SCHEME NAME]
Scheme contact:  [ADDRESS / PHONE / WEBSITE]
Scheme reference: [ID]
Date protected:  [DATE]

LANDLORD
Name: [LANDLORD NAME]
Address for service: [ADDRESS]
Phone / email: [PHONE] / [EMAIL]

WHY A DEPOSIT IS HELD
The deposit is security against: unpaid rent, damage beyond fair wear and tear, cleaning to the standard recorded in the inventory, and unpaid bills for which the tenant is responsible.

HOW THE DEPOSIT IS RETURNED
At the end of the tenancy the Landlord and Tenant should agree how much is returned. Once agreed, the scheme releases the money, normally within 10 days. If there is no agreement, either party may use the scheme''s free dispute resolution service and an independent adjudicator will decide.

DECLARATION
The Landlord confirms that the information above is accurate and that the deposit is protected as stated.

Landlord signature: ______________________ Date: __________
Tenant confirms receipt: ______________________ Date: __________

Frequently asked questions

What is the deadline for the prescribed information?

30 days from receiving the deposit — the same deadline as protecting it.

What is the penalty for getting it wrong?

A court can order one to three times the deposit, in addition to returning it.

Does a guarantor need a copy?

Anyone who paid the deposit on the tenant's behalf must also receive the prescribed information.

This template is 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 relying on it.