Prescribed Information
A document landlords must give tenants within 30 days of receiving a deposit, alongside deposit protection. It tells the tenant which scheme holds the deposit, how to reclaim it and how to raise a dispute. Failure to serve it can result in a penalty of 1-3 times the deposit.
At a glance
- Window
- 30 days of receipt
- Serve with
- Deposit protection
- Penalty for failure
- 1–3× the deposit
Full guide
Read the complete landlord guide on Prescribed Information
Deadlines, fines and step-by-step compliance in our in-depth resource.
Open full guideWhy Prescribed Information matters for landlords
Prescribed Information is the deposit-dispute trip-wire. Many landlords protect the deposit on time, serve the tenancy agreement on time, and then forget the separate PI document — which is a standalone breach attracting 1–3× the deposit as a tenant-led penalty. Keep a single "deposit pack" PDF that bundles the certificate, scheme leaflet and signed PI and issue it in one email to make the serve-date easy to prove.
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
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.
PAT Testing (Portable Appliance Testing)
Electrical safety testing of portable appliances (kettles, lamps, toasters) supplied with the tenancy. Not legally required for private rentals in England, but recommended good practice and sometimes required by insurers and HMO licences.
Periodic Tenancy
A tenancy that continues from period to period (usually monthly) with no fixed end date. From 1 May 2026 all assured tenancies in England are periodic by default under the Renters Rights Act 2025. Tenants can end the tenancy with two months' notice.
Property Redress Scheme
A government-approved ombudsman scheme for property-related complaints. Letting agents in England must be members of a redress scheme (The Property Ombudsman or Property Redress Scheme). The Renters Rights Act 2025 extends mandatory redress to private landlords.
Accelerated Possession
A fast-track court procedure used under a Section 21 notice in England and Wales. Abolished for new claims from 1 May 2026 because Section 21 no longer exists. Possession is now pursued under Section 8 using a specified ground.
AST (Assured Shorthold Tenancy)
The most common form of private tenancy in England. From 1 May 2026 all existing ASTs converted to assured periodic tenancies under the Renters Rights Act 2025, and new fixed-term ASTs can no longer be created for most residential lets.