Checking your deposit

How To Check Your Deposit With The DPS

Use the DPS deposit checker with your surname, tenancy start month and year, the property postcode and the deposit amount. A Deposit ID is optional.

Calculate What You Could Claim

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

4 detailsneeded for the DPS search
2 typesCustodial and Insured at the DPS
30 daysfor your landlord to protect it

In Short

To check if the Deposit Protection Service (DPS) holds your deposit, use its online checker with four details: your surname, the tenancy start month and year, the property postcode and the deposit amount. A Deposit ID is optional. The DPS offers custodial protection, where it holds the money, and insured protection, where your landlord or agent keeps it. If the DPS cannot find it, also search TDS and mydeposits.

What The DPS Search Asks For

  • Your surname
  • Tenancy start date, as month and year
  • The postcode of the rented property
  • The deposit amount
  • Your Deposit ID, only if you have one

Custodial Or Insured At The DPS?

Custodial
  • The DPS holds your deposit
  • Free for your landlord to use
  • The DPS sets up a tenant account for you
  • Your certificate is in that account
Insured
  • Your landlord or agent keeps the deposit
  • They pay the DPS a fee
  • The DPS emails you a deposit ID
  • Use that ID to view your deposit

What Your DPS Result Means

  1. FoundThe DPS has it. Activate your tenant account to track it.
  2. Not FoundCheck your details, then search TDS and mydeposits.
  3. Not On Any SchemeIt may never have been protected. You may be able to claim.

If The DPS Finds Nothing

  1. Check Every DetailThe DPS builds your record from details your landlord gave. Try other spellings.
  2. Moved In Recently?Your landlord has 30 days from getting the deposit to protect it.
  3. Try The Other SchemesThe DPS says your deposit may be with another scheme. Search TDS and mydeposits.
  4. Ask Your LandlordThe DPS suggests asking your landlord or agent which scheme they used.

More Help

Checking all three schemes? Read how to check your deposit is protected. Still stuck? See deposit not showing on a scheme, or start a deposit check with us.

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

What Do I Need To Check My Deposit With The DPS?

Your surname, tenancy start date (month and year), the property postcode and the deposit amount. A Deposit ID helps but is optional.

Where Do I Find My DPS Deposit ID?

In the DPS Insured scheme, the DPS emails you a deposit ID. In the Custodial scheme, the DPS sets up a tenant account and emails you an activation code.

What If The DPS Cannot Find My Deposit?

Your landlord may have used another scheme, or a detail may not match. Search TDS and mydeposits, then ask your landlord which scheme they used.

Is My Deposit Safe If My Landlord Holds It?

If it is in the DPS Insured scheme, the DPS says it is protected for the whole tenancy. Your landlord keeps it and pays the DPS a fee.

Is Free Deposit Check Part Of The DPS?

No. We are not connected to DPS, TDS or mydeposits. We introduce eligible tenants to SRA-regulated solicitors, and our service is free to you.

Keep Reading

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

Last updated 16 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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