How much compensation for an unprotected tenancy deposit?
If your landlord did not protect your deposit in an approved scheme, or did not give you the required information, within 30 days, the court must order them to pay you between one and three times the deposit. That is in addition to the deposit itself being repaid or protected. It comes from section 214 of the Housing Act 2004, and the court decides where in the range your award falls.
How much compensation can I get if my deposit was not protected?
If the court finds your landlord did not protect the deposit or give you the prescribed information within 30 days, it must order the landlord to pay you at least the amount of the deposit and no more than three times it (Housing Act 2004, section 214(4)). That is on top of getting the deposit itself repaid or protected. The court decides where in that range to set it.
Can I still claim after I have moved out?
Yes. Section 214(1A) says a former tenant can apply after the tenancy has ended. The court must still order the penalty of one to three times the deposit, and may order the deposit, or part of it, to be repaid.
How do I make the claim and what does it cost?
GOV.UK says to write to your landlord first, then apply to the county court using Form N208. The court fee is £387, which you can claim back from the landlord if you win, and Help with Fees may reduce it.
What if my deposit was protected but we disagree about deductions?
The penalty does not apply. Use the free dispute resolution service of the scheme holding your deposit, if you and your landlord both agree to it, or a small claim. Your landlord must return the deposit within 10 days of you both agreeing how much you will get back.
Does this apply to my tenancy?
This page covers assured tenancies in England, which includes most private tenancies. From 1 May 2026 the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 changed the wording of these sections from shorthold to assured tenancies. Wales has its own rules for occupation contracts, and Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate schemes.
Tenancy deposit compensation
Renters’ Rights · What you can get back
How much compensation for an unprotected tenancy deposit?
When does the penalty apply?
How much could the court award?
The award must be at least the deposit amount and no more than three times it. The table shows the range for three example deposits. It is simple arithmetic from section 214(4), not a prediction of what a court would award.
How do you claim it?
- Check with the three approved schemes whether your deposit is protected.
- Write to your landlord or letting agent setting out the failure and what you want. GOV.UK suggests doing this before going to court, and notes your landlord may offer to pay once they get your letter.
- If that does not work, apply to the county court using Form N208. GOV.UK gives the court fee as £387, which you can claim back if you win.
GOV.UK, if your landlord does not protect your deposit
. You can get legal advice first; GOV.UK notes you do not need a solicitor to apply.
Questions people ask
Deposit prescribed information
Help for renters compared