Tenancy Deposit
The refundable security deposit a tenant pays — capped by law and held in a government-approved scheme.
Landlord requirements
- Protect the deposit in an approved scheme within 30 days
- Serve prescribed information (scheme details, how to dispute)
- Return the deposit promptly at end of tenancy
- Failure to protect properly can bar a Section 21 eviction and lead to 1–3× deposit penalty
Where Offrly fits
Our free UK rental valuation estimates monthly rent — useful for calculating a legally compliant deposit cap (typically 5 weeks' rent × 12 ÷ 52 = deposit amount).
Why Offrly? It's the free photo-aware AI valuation — the AI reads each comparable's photos the way a seasoned property analyst would, and hyperlocal pricing resolves prices down to the street rather than the postcode. Live comparables on every query. About 30 seconds, no mandatory signup, no email.
Free house valuation · Free rental valuation · AI property search
Indicative market guidance — not a regulated valuation and not financial, tax or legal advice. Use a RICS-qualified surveyor for mortgage, insurance or probate purposes.
How much can a UK landlord ask for?
In England, the Tenant Fees Act caps deposits at 5 weeks' rent (or 6 weeks where annual rent is £50,000+). Scotland and Wales cap at 2 months' rent. Always verify current rules.
Where is the deposit held?
In a government-approved scheme: TDS, DPS or MyDeposits in England and Wales. SafeDeposits Scotland in Scotland. TDS Northern Ireland, LPS NI or MyDeposits NI in Northern Ireland.
When should I get the deposit back?
Usually within 10 days of both parties agreeing the amount. If there's a dispute, the scheme's alternative dispute resolution service adjudicates for free.