Checking your deposit
DPS, TDS And mydeposits, Explained Simply
England has three government-approved deposit schemes. Your landlord picks one, and your protection is the same whichever they choose.
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In Short
England has three government-approved tenancy deposit schemes: the Deposit Protection Service (DPS), the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) and mydeposits. Your landlord chooses one and must protect your deposit with it within 30 days. Each scheme offers custodial protection, where the scheme holds the money, or insured protection, where the landlord holds it. Your protection, and the free dispute service at the end, are the same whichever scheme is used.
Three Schemes, One Set Of Rules
Your landlord chooses the scheme. The law protects you the same way in all three.
What A Scheme Does For You
- Keeps Your Money SafeIt cannot just disappear if your landlord goes out of business.
- Returns It At The EndYou get back what you and your landlord agree.
- Settles Arguments FreeAn independent adjudicator decides, usually without anyone going to court.
Two Ways A Scheme Can Hold Your Deposit
- The scheme holds the money itself
- It pays you back at the end
- Disputed money stays with the scheme
- Your landlord keeps the money
- They pay the scheme to insure it
- The scheme steps in if they do not pay
Which Scheme Has My Deposit? Look For
- A deposit protection certificate, often a PDF
- An email from DPS, TDS or mydeposits
- A scheme named in your tenancy agreement or welcome pack
- A scheme reference number
If Your Landlord Did Not Use A Scheme
You can apply to the county court. If it agrees, it must order your landlord to pay you 1x to 3x the deposit. See what a claim is.
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)
- 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
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 Are The Three Deposit Schemes In England?
The Deposit Protection Service (DPS), the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) and mydeposits. All three are government-approved.
Which Scheme Is My Deposit In?
Your landlord should have told you within 30 days. If not, search all three with your postcode, surname, tenancy start date and deposit amount.
What Is The Difference Between Custodial And Insured?
Custodial: the scheme holds your money. Insured: your landlord keeps it but insures it with the scheme. The law treats both the same.
Is One Scheme Better For Tenants?
No. Your protection is the same in all three, and all three offer free dispute resolution.
Keep Reading
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.