Renters' Rights Act

The Renters' Rights Act And Your Deposit

Deposit protection still applies. The 30-day deadline and the 1x to 3x penalty are unchanged, so you may still be able to claim.

Calculate What You Could Claim

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

1 May 2026main changes started
30 daysstill the deadline to protect
1x to 3xstill the court penalty

In Short

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 brought its main changes on 1 May 2026, but deposit protection still applies. Landlords still have 30 days to protect a deposit in DPS, TDS or mydeposits and give the prescribed information, and a court must still award 1x to 3x the deposit if they did not. Existing tenancies converted automatically, and you can still claim after moving out.

How We Got Here

  1. 27 Oct 2025The Renters' Rights Act becomes law
  2. 1 May 2026Shorthold tenancies become assured periodic tenancies
  3. 1 May 2026Section 21 no-fault evictions end
  4. TodayDeposit rules still apply, and you can still claim

What Changed

New Tenancy TypeExisting tenancies converted automatically. The deposit rules now cover assured tenancies.
Stronger ProtectionUntil the deposit is protected and the paperwork given, most possession grounds are blocked.
Rent In Advance LimitedUsually no more than one month's rent before the tenancy starts. Deposits still apply.

What Did Not Change

  • 30 days to protect your deposit
  • Still three schemes: DPS, mydeposits and TDS
  • Prescribed information still due within 30 days
  • Court penalty still 1x to 3x the deposit
  • You can still claim after moving out
  • Time limit generally six years (when it starts is not settled)
  • Deposit cap still five weeks' rent for most

Questions We Hear Since May 2026

The Worry
  • My agreement says shorthold
  • My landlord protected it when the rules changed
  • I renewed several times
The Answer
  • Still valid, it converted automatically
  • Late protection does not undo the breach
  • Each renewal may count. The courts are split

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

Do Landlords Still Have To Protect Deposits?

Yes. They must protect a deposit in an approved scheme within 30 days and give you the prescribed information.

Can I Still Claim Compensation For An Unprotected Deposit?

Yes. A court can order a landlord to pay between one and three times the deposit if the rules were broken.

My Tenancy Agreement Says Shorthold. Is It Still Valid?

Yes. Assured shorthold tenancies converted to assured periodic tenancies on 1 May 2026. Your old agreement is still useful evidence.

Does This Apply In Wales Or Scotland?

No. This page covers England only. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules.

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.

About usGuidesDeposit checkCompensation calculatorRefer a friendPrivacy PolicyReferral TermsCookie PolicyCookie settingsFree Deposit Check is a trading style of FLUXMA Ltd, registered in England and Wales, company number 16655882. Registered office: Hall Farm, Langley, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 0HW.