Why it matters
What DPS (Deposit Protection Service) means for a landlord
The DPS custodial scheme is free, which is why many small landlords use it, while the insured option suits agents who hold deposits themselves. Either way the deadline that matters is 30 days from receipt, and the scheme records when the deposit was registered, which becomes evidence either way if a tenant later claims. Keep the DPS certificate and reference with the date the prescribed information was sent.
Worked example
How it plays out
Ben takes a £1,200 deposit for a flat in Southampton on 3 June and pays it into the DPS custodial scheme on 10 June, so DPS holds the money. On 11 June he emails the tenant the deposit certificate and the prescribed information and keeps the sent email. At the end of the tenancy he proposes £150 for cleaning; the tenant disagrees, and the scheme’s dispute service decides using Ben’s check-in and check-out reports.
Common mistakes
Where landlords go wrong
- 01Registering the deposit but transferring the money to the custodial scheme late.
- 02Forgetting to send the prescribed information after protecting the deposit.
- 03Losing the DPS reference, which slows down repayment at the end of the tenancy.
What to do
A short checklist
- Protect each deposit within a week of receiving it.
- Save the certificate and reference in the property file.
- Send the prescribed information with the certificate and keep proof of sending.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 16 September 2026. A guide to the rules in England, not legal advice: for a dispute or a possession claim, speak to a solicitor.
