Is MyDeposits the same as DPS or TDS?

No — all three are separately operated government-authorised schemes. Your deposit can only be protected in one scheme at a time. If your landlord used MyDeposits, your dispute and repayment process goes through mydeposits.co.uk, not DPS or TDS.

What if the landlord insured my deposit with MyDeposits but has gone bankrupt?

Under the MyDeposits Insured scheme, if the landlord becomes insolvent, Hamilton Fraser Insurance covers the deposit. Contact MyDeposits directly with your certificate details and proof of the tenancy end date — the scheme will manage the insurance claim process.

Can I start adjudication if the landlord has not submitted a repayment request?

Yes. Under the MyDeposits scheme rules, either party can initiate the repayment process. If the landlord is unresponsive beyond the scheme deadline, MyDeposits can return the full deposit to the tenant. You do not have to wait indefinitely for the landlord to act.

MyDeposits

By GetRighted Legal Research TeamLast updated July 2026

Summary

Born from a partnership between the National Landlords Association and Hamilton Fraser Insurance, MyDeposits is the third of England and Wales's three government-authorised tenancy deposit protection schemes under Housing Act 2004 s.212. It operates a custodial scheme (free, deposit held by MyDeposits) and an insured scheme (paid, deposit held by the landlord or agent). MyDeposits has a strong presence among self-managing private landlords. Its dispute resolution service — also free to tenants — produces written adjudication decisions using the same legal framework as TDS and DPS: check-in versus check-out condition, fair wear and tear, and betterment.

How MyDeposits protects your money

Under MyDeposits Custodial, the deposit is transferred to MyDeposits' ring-fenced client account immediately after the landlord registers it. The landlord cannot withdraw the funds during the tenancy. Under MyDeposits Insured, the landlord holds the funds but is insured by Hamilton Fraser Insurance. In either case, registration triggers the landlord's obligation to serve Prescribed Information within 30 days of receiving the deposit under the Housing (Tenancy Deposits) (Prescribed Information) Order 2007.

MyDeposits adjudication process

At the end of the tenancy, if there is a disagreement about deductions, either party can apply to MyDeposits for adjudication. The adjudicator reviews documentary evidence — check-in and check-out reports, invoices, photographs, and communications — and issues a binding written decision. MyDeposits publishes anonymised case studies illustrating how different types of deduction claims are assessed. Tenants who have only a verbal agreement about condition should note that the burden of proof for deductions falls on the landlord, not the tenant.

Verifying protection with MyDeposits

Check your deposit registration at mydeposits.co.uk using your deposit protection certificate number or your tenancy details. MyDeposits emails a deposit protection certificate to both the landlord and tenant when registration is complete. If you did not receive a certificate and 30 days have passed since you paid the deposit, the landlord may be in breach of s.213 of the Housing Act 2004.

What to do if your MyDeposits deposit is disputed

✓Log in to mydeposits.co.uk and review the repayment request submitted by the landlord.
✓If you dispute any deductions, reject the landlord's proposal and raise a formal dispute.
✓Upload your evidence: check-in report, check-out report, photos, and any written communications.
✓Submit your written response addressing each deduction with specific reference to the evidence.
✓MyDeposits will appoint an adjudicator; the decision is usually issued within 28 days.

Scotland and Northern Ireland

MyDeposits also operates in Scotland (under separate Scottish legislation) and Northern Ireland, where it is the sole authorised scheme. The rules for Scottish tenancy deposits are set by the Tenancy Deposit Schemes (Scotland) Regulations 2011 and differ from England and Wales, including different deadlines and different penalty provisions. This glossary entry focuses on the England and Wales scheme only.

Sources

Housing Act 2004, s.212–s.215
Housing (Tenancy Deposits) (Prescribed Information) Order 2007 (SI 2007/797)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MyDeposits the same as DPS or TDS?: No — all three are separately operated government-authorised schemes. Your deposit can only be protected in one scheme at a time. If your landlord used MyDeposits, your dispute and repayment process goes through mydeposits.co.uk, not DPS or TDS.
What if the landlord insured my deposit with MyDeposits but has gone bankrupt?: Under the MyDeposits Insured scheme, if the landlord becomes insolvent, Hamilton Fraser Insurance covers the deposit. Contact MyDeposits directly with your certificate details and proof of the tenancy end date — the scheme will manage the insurance claim process.
Can I start adjudication if the landlord has not submitted a repayment request?: Yes. Under the MyDeposits scheme rules, either party can initiate the repayment process. If the landlord is unresponsive beyond the scheme deadline, MyDeposits can return the full deposit to the tenant. You do not have to wait indefinitely for the landlord to act.

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