Prescribed Information

Your deposit protection obligations don't end with paying the deposit to us. You also need to serve the Prescribed Information within 30 days, or you could be penalised between one and three times the amount of the deposit.

Prescribed Information (or Required Information if you’re letting a property in Wales) is a specific set of information relating to a tenancy, which you're legally obliged to provide to your tenants. You must serve your tenants with the Prescribed Information within 30 days of the agent/landlord receiving the deposit.

  • The amount of the deposit
  • The address of the property
  • The name, address and contact details of the administrator of the tenancy deposit scheme with which the deposit is held
  • The name, address and contact details of the landlord and tenants and any third parties who have contributed to the deposit

To help you, we've produced a downloadable Prescribed Information template. (If you're using our Insured scheme, you'll need our Insured Prescribed information template).

Frequently asked questions

  • If you're using our Custodial scheme, you must provide a copy of our Custodial terms and conditions with the Prescribed Information to your tenants under the Housing (Tenancy Deposits) Prescribed Information Order 2007. You can  download our Custodial terms and conditions here.

  • When you've submitted a deposit via your online account, you'll be able to save and print a copy of the Prescribed Information form.

    Alternatively, you can download our Prescribed Information template. (If you're using our Insured scheme, you'll need our Insured Prescribed information template).

  • You must provide your tenants with the Prescribed Information within 30 days of receiving the deposit. Under the Tenancy Deposit Protection legislation under the Housing Act 2004, the tenants must be given an opportunity to check and sign the Prescribed Information.

  • No. It is your responsibility to provide your tenants with the Prescribed Information.

  • You must give the tenants an opportunity to check and sign the Prescribed Information to confirm that its contents are correct.

Before a tenancy begins

There are several other things you're legally obliged to do before a new tenancy begins and others that are key to a successful tenancy. Here are three essentials to get your tenancy off to a smooth start.

  • Tenant checks

    Before a tenancy can begin, there are certain checks you have to perform. These include checking that your tenants have the right to live and rent in the UK and, if the property is in Wales, the Rent Smart Wales check.

  • How to Rent Guide

    As a landlord or letting agent, you must provide your tenants with a How to Rent Guide before they move into the property.

  • Inventories

    Before your new tenants move into a property, you’ll need to do an inventory. This is an essential part of the process to get right.

DPS guide for tenants

For the tenancy to run smoothly, it helps to have tenants who understand how deposit protection works, and where they can go to find more help. We’ve created a useful downloadable overview document for tenants.

Download Guide