A practical overview of tenancy deposits, protection and the records landlords should organise.
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Holding deposit and tenancy deposit are different
A holding deposit can reserve a property while pre-tenancy steps are completed. A tenancy deposit is held against permitted losses or breaches during the tenancy.
Protection and information matter
Where a tenancy deposit must be protected, use an authorised scheme and keep evidence of when the money was received, protected and when the required information was supplied.
Record the property condition
A dated inventory or schedule of condition with photographs can be important if there is a later disagreement about deductions.
Use current rules
Deposit rules differ across the UK and can change. Check the current official guidance for the tenancy and nation.
Owner Advice gives you the public answer. The Owner Hub organises the fuller guides, downloads, videos and useful resources around the stage you are actually at.
General information only - not legal, financial, tax or transactional advice and not specific to your property. Requirements differ across the UK and can change. Last reviewed September 2026.
