How long does a landlord have to protect a deposit in England?
For most covered private tenancies in England, a deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receiving it.
Free UK landlord tool
Tenancy Deposit Calculator
Calculate a tenancy-deposit protection deadline and, where the law provides a clear cap, the maximum deposit. The calculator changes its logic depending on where the property is located.
Enter the tenancy details to calculate the applicable deposit information.
Why deposit deadlines differ across the UK
Tenancy deposit protection is not one uniform UK rule. England and Wales commonly use a 30-day period from receipt for covered arrangements, while Scotland generally uses 30 working days from the tenancy start date. Northern Ireland has its own statutory framework and the calculator deliberately directs landlords to the current official guidance when the necessary tenancy facts are not available.
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Frequently asked questions
How is the maximum tenancy deposit calculated in England?
For covered tenancies, the usual cap is five weeks' rent where annual rent is below £50,000 and six weeks where annual rent is £50,000 or more, subject to the scope and exceptions of the Tenant Fees Act.
Is the Scottish deadline the same as England?
No. Scottish guidance generally requires a deposit to be lodged within 30 working days from the start of the tenancy, which is why this calculator asks for the tenancy start date.
This tool provides general information, not legal advice. Rules can depend on the tenancy, property and local authority. Check the linked official guidance before acting.