When must you protect the tenancy deposit?

Miss the deadline and you can face penalties of up to 3x the deposit. Check your deadline for any UK region.

England / Wales / Scotland / NI Government-approved schemes Free, no signup

Deposit protection deadlines at a glance

RegionDeadlinePenalty if missed
England30 calendar days from receiptUp to 3x deposit + rent repayment order risk
Wales30 calendar days from receiptUp to 3x deposit
Scotland30 working days from tenancy startUp to 3x deposit (tribunal award)
Northern Ireland28 calendar days from receiptCompensation claims

Educational tool — not legal advice. Deadlines count from receipt of the deposit (Scotland: tenancy start).

Section13Notice.co.uk · Rules verified 2026-08 · Section 13 generator · Rent checker · Pricing