A Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme notice template containing the prescribed information landlords must serve on tenants within 30 days of receiving a deposit. Required by the Housing Act 2004 (as amended).
What this document is
When you take a tenant deposit, you must protect it in one of three government-authorised schemes (TDS, DPS, or MyDeposits). You must also serve the prescribed information on the tenant within 30 days of receiving the deposit. This notice is that prescribed information.
What's included
- Landlord and tenant details, deposit amount, and property address.
- Name and contact details of the protection scheme.
- Details of how the deposit is held (custodial vs insured).
- Information on circumstances when deductions can be made.
- The dispute resolution process.
Consequences of failing to serve
If you fail to protect the deposit and serve the prescribed information within 30 days, the consequences are serious:
- The tenant can claim a penalty of 1x to 3x the deposit amount.
- You cannot serve a Section 8 notice using certain grounds until the breach is remedied.
- The tenant can apply to court for an order requiring the deposit to be returned or protected.