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
Do I need to provide a copy of the DPS Terms and Conditions with the Prescribed Information?
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.
Where can I download the Prescribed Information form?
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).
When do I have to give the Prescribed Information to my tenants?
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.
Will The DPS serve the Prescribed Information on the tenants?
No. It is your responsibility to provide your tenants with the Prescribed Information.
Can I just post the Prescribed Information to the tenants or leave it at the property?
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.