What it’s for
- Confirm all prescribed information obligations have been met within the 30-day window
- Checklist of required items: deposit amount, scheme details, landlord and tenant contact details, scheme leaflet
- Track the date of deposit protection and the date prescribed information was served
- Retain evidence of compliance to defend against deposit disputes
- Use alongside your tenancy agreement and move-in documentation
How to use this in TenancyVault
After protecting the deposit and serving prescribed information:
- Upload this checklist (signed by tenant) to your property vault
- Upload the deposit protection certificate alongside it
- Log the prescribed information service date on TenancyVault’s compliance timeline
- Store the scheme leaflet in the vault so you can prove you served it
FAQ
What is prescribed information?
Prescribed information is the set of details you must provide to a tenant in writing when you protect their deposit. It includes: the amount, the scheme used, scheme contact details, landlord and tenant details, and the scheme’s dispute resolution process.
How long do I have to protect the deposit and serve prescribed information?
The deadline varies by nation. In England and Wales you must protect the deposit and provide prescribed information within 30 days of receiving it. In Northern Ireland the deadline is 14 days (under the Private Tenancies (NI) Order 2006), and the only approved scheme is TDS NI. Scotland does not use prescribed information in the same way — the SafeDeposits Scotland, Letting Protection Service Scotland, and MyDeposits Scotland schemes have their own requirements.
What happens if I fail to serve prescribed information on time?
In England, failure means the tenant can apply to court for a penalty of 1–3 times the deposit amount. Before 1 May 2026, it also prevented service of a valid Section 21 notice while the deposit remained unprotected. Penalties apply in Wales and Northern Ireland under their respective legislation.
Do I need to re-serve prescribed information?
You must re-serve prescribed information if the tenancy is renewed (a new fixed term is agreed) or if any of the prescribed details change.
Which deposit schemes are approved?
Approved schemes vary by nation. In England and Wales: MyDeposits, Deposit Protection Service (DPS), and TDS. In Scotland: SafeDeposits Scotland, Letting Protection Service Scotland, and MyDeposits Scotland. In Northern Ireland: TDS NI is the only approved scheme.