DPS (Deposit Protection Service)
The largest of the three government-authorised deposit protection schemes in England. Offers both custodial (free) and insured deposit protection. Landlords upload deposits within 30 days and issue Prescribed Information to the tenant.
At a glance
- Custodial option
- Free
- Insured option
- Paid
- Window
- Upload within 30 days of receipt
- Market share
- Largest of the three schemes in England
Full guide
Read the complete landlord guide on DPS (Deposit Protection Service)
Deadlines, fines and step-by-step compliance in our in-depth resource.
Open full guideWhy DPS (Deposit Protection Service) matters for landlords
DPS’s custodial scheme is free which is why small landlords gravitate to it, but the insured option gives more flexibility for agents holding pooled deposits. Either way the critical action is the 30-day upload — DPS logs the exact timestamp and a late entry is written evidence of breach. Pair the upload with the Prescribed Information serve-date and keep both in the property file.
Official sources
LetCompliance editorial reviews this entry every quarter against the sources above. Always confirm specific duties with a qualified solicitor or your local council.
Related terms
Deposit Protection Scheme
A government-authorised scheme that holds or insures tenancy deposits. Three schemes are approved in England: DPS (Deposit Protection Service), TDS (Tenancy Deposit Scheme) and mydeposits. Deposits must be protected within 30 days of receipt.
Deposit Cap
The limit on tenancy deposits set by the Tenant Fees Act 2019. Five weeks' rent where annual rent is under £50,000, six weeks' rent where rent is £50,000 or more. Holding deposits are separately capped at one week's rent.
mydeposits
One of the three government-authorised deposit protection schemes in England. Offers custodial and insured options. Deposits must be protected within 30 days of receipt.
TDS (Tenancy Deposit Scheme)
One of three government-authorised deposit schemes in England. Offers a custodial scheme (TDS Custodial) and an insured scheme (TDS Insured). Adjudication is included for disputes at end of tenancy.
Decent Homes Standard (DHS)
A government standard for minimum housing quality, extended to the private rented sector by the Renters Rights Act 2025. Properties must be free of Category 1 HHSRS hazards, in a reasonable state of repair, have reasonably modern facilities and provide reasonable thermal comfort.
Disrepair
A property condition falling below legal standards under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 or the Decent Homes Standard. Tenants can sue for damages and specific performance, and a valid disrepair claim is a complete defence to a possession claim.