Checking your deposit

Can't Find Your Deposit? Do This Next

Usually a detail does not match, or it is under another tenant's name. If it still cannot be found, it may never have been protected.

Calculate What You Could Claim

Free to check · 60 seconds · No win, no fee

Exactevery detail must match the record
3 schemesto search, not just one
1x to 3xif it was never protected

In Short

If you cannot find your deposit on DPS, TDS or mydeposits, the most common reason is that a search detail does not match exactly: the surname, postcode, deposit amount or tenancy start date. It may also be held under another tenant's name. Search all three schemes. If it still cannot be found, it may never have been protected, and you may be able to claim 1x to 3x the deposit.

Quick Fixes First

  • Use the rented home's postcode, not your new one
  • Use the surname on the tenancy agreement
  • Try the move-in date and the signing date
  • Enter the exact amount, including pence
  • Try every tenant's surname on a joint tenancy
  • Search all three schemes

Still Missing? Work Through These

  1. Search Your EmailsLook for DPS, TDS, mydeposits, "certificate" or "prescribed information".
  2. Ask Your Landlord In WritingWhich scheme, what date, and what name it was registered under.
  3. Call The SchemesDPS 0330 303 0030, TDS 0300 037 1000, mydeposits 0333 321 9401.

What The Answer Means

  1. Protected On TimeGood. Check you also got the paperwork within 30 days.
  2. Protected LateAfter 30 days. You may still be able to claim.
  3. Never ProtectedThe law was probably broken. You may be able to claim.

Nervous About Asking?

It is a normal question any landlord should answer. You do not need to mention a claim. Read will claiming affect my tenancy?

Here's What You Get When Working With Us

Recommended

With Free Deposit Check
  • Full online deposit check and analysis
  • All three deposit schemes searched for you
  • Eligibility and time limits checked
  • Your whole case file prepared
  • Matched with our specialist solicitors
  • £387 court fee covered in your agreement
  • With you at every step
  • £0 up front and £0 if you lose (terms apply)
Claiming Yourself
  • Search each scheme yourself
  • Work out if you qualify
  • Gather and organise all the evidence
  • Write the letter to your landlord
  • Pay the £387 court fee up front (Help with Fees may cut it)
  • Present your case to the court
  • Chase your landlord for payment
  • All the risk and work is on you
Calculate What You Could Claim

If you win, the solicitor's success fee (up to 25% + VAT) comes out of your compensation. The solicitor pays us for the introduction, so you never pay us anything.

Quick Answers

Why Can't I Find My Deposit On The Scheme Website?

Usually a detail does not match, it is under another tenant's surname, or you searched the wrong scheme. Sometimes it was never protected.

Should I Contact My Landlord?

Yes. Ask in writing which scheme they used, the date and the name it was registered under. Keep a copy.

How Long Should I Wait For An Answer?

There is no fixed rule. Your landlord should already know and should have told you within 30 days. If you get no clear answer, call the scheme helplines.

What If My Deposit Was Never Protected?

You may be able to apply to the county court. If it agrees, it must award between 1x and 3x the deposit.

Keep Reading

Checking your depositHow To Check Your Deposit Is ProtectedRead Checking your depositHow To Check Your Deposit With The DPSRead Checking your depositHow To Check Your Deposit With TDSRead
Sources

Last updated 15 October 2026. General information for tenants in England only (the rules differ in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland). Not legal advice.

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