MSE urges UK renters to make ‘simple check’ for ‘protection’
New tenant rights laws came into force in the UK on 1 May, leading to major changes in the rental market. Aside from these changes, there is one more important thing tenants need to check to see if they have paid a deposit or have already paid it.
MoneySavingExpert’s guidance, updated 1 May 2026, says rental deposits should be protected.
MSE He explains: “In most private tenancies in the UK, the landlord MUST put your deposit into a protection plan. In England, Wales and Scotland they have to do this within 30 days of receipt. In Northern Ireland they only have 28 days.”
You have a ‘contract of employment’ in Wales and sent them the deposit on or after 6 April 2007.
You are renting privately in Scotland and your landlord is not exempt (reasons for this may include because they live with you or are a close family member)
You are renting privately in Northern Ireland and submit your deposit on or after 1 April 2013
MSE note: “If a landlord fails to protect your deposit, you may be ordered to pay a penalty of up to three times the value.”
It states that a person received a large amount of money after checking. MSE told Jenny’s story: “My landlord didn’t keep my deposit and wouldn’t give it back, so I went to court and got £4,850 (including court costs) back from the £1,020 deposit. It was easy.”
Having your deposit covered by a protection plan means:
If you agree with your landlord how much of the deposit you need to pay, it will be refunded to you within 10 days of the tenancy ending.
If you DO NOT agree with your landlord, a free dispute resolution service will investigate and decide how much of your deposit you should get back.
How can I check that my deposits are protected?
Before signing your contract, ask your landlord or letting agent what deposit protection scheme they use to make sure your deposit is protected. MSE says if you’ve already moved and the plan isn’t included in your contract, you should ask the landlord and get their answer in writing.
My deposit money is not protected, what should I do?
If your landlord needs to protect your deposit but has not put it in a rental deposit protection scheme, you can apply to the district court for assistance. The court may order the landlord to refund your deposit or place it on a formal schedule. The landlord may also have to pay compensation of up to three times the deposit amount.
MSE directs people to: gov.uk, NIdirect And Scottish Government. He concludes: “If you feel your deposit has been unfairly withheld at the end of your tenancy, it’s worth fighting for.”
Read the financial guru’s full tips on renting and investing here: MSE’s website.
