Thur. 23 July 2026
When you rent a home in Wales, your landlord will usually ask for a security deposit. But once they take it, they have legal responsibilities about how it is protected and what information they give you. Here’s what you should know.
Your Deposit Must Be Protected
Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, landlords who take a security deposit under an occupation contract generally have to protect it in an authorised tenancy deposit scheme. The deposit must be protected, and the required information must be provided to you, within 30 days of receiving the deposit.
If your landlord says your deposit is protected but you have never received any information about the scheme, it is worth checking. Can your landlord just keep it? No. A deposit is security for legitimate losses, such as unpaid rent or damage for which you are actually responsible. It isn't automatically the landlord's money when you move out. You also shouldn't normally be charged for fair wear and tear.
If you disagree with deductions, the deposit scheme's dispute-resolution process may be able to help.
What If They Never Protected it?
This is where things can become more serious. Welsh law provides a potential court remedy where a landlord fails to comply with the deposit protection requirements. In qualifying cases, the court can order the landlord to pay the contract-holder between one and three times the amount of the deposit, in addition to dealing with the deposit itself. So, for example, if the deposit was £1,000, the potential statutory award could be between £1,000 and £3,000. But three times the deposit is not automatic. The amount depends on the circumstances and the court's decision.
What Should You Do If You're Unsure?
Don't immediately assume that your deposit was never protected.
Check:
How much you paid
When you paid it
Which deposit scheme was used
When you received the protection information
What your occupation contract says
Keep copies of your contract, deposit receipts, emails, messages and any deposit certificates.
The Bottom Line
Your deposit isn't something your landlord can simply handle however they want. If you paid a deposit in Wales, check that it was properly protected, and keep the evidence. A failure to follow the rules can potentially give you a claim, but the exact position depends on the contract, dates and circumstances.
This information is for educational purposes, general guidance and is not legal advice. The rules can differ depending on where your property is located and the circumstances of your tenancy.
Is a landlord in Wales legally required to protect my tenancy deposit?
Yes. Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, a landlord who takes a security deposit under an occupation contract generally must protect it in an authorised tenancy deposit scheme. The deposit and required information must generally be dealt with within 30 days of receiving the deposit.
How long does a landlord have to protect a deposit in Wales?
A landlord generally has 30 days from receiving the deposit to protect it in an authorised tenancy deposit scheme and provide the required information to the contract-holder.
Can I claim compensation if my landlord protected my deposit late in Wales?
Potentially, yes. Protecting a deposit late does not necessarily mean there is no remedy. The circumstances and timing of the protection can matter, so tenants should keep evidence showing when the deposit was paid, when it was protected and when the required information was provided.
What is prescribed information for a tenancy deposit in Wales?
Prescribed information is information the landlord must provide about how the deposit is protected and how the protection and return of the deposit work. It includes information about the deposit scheme and the contract-holder's rights. Welsh Government guidance specifically refers to information such as the scheme details, amount held, landlord contact details and how the deposit can be recovered.
Can my landlord simply keep my deposit when I move out in Wales?
No. A tenancy deposit is held as security against legitimate liabilities under the occupation contract; it is not automatically the landlord's money. If you disagree with proposed deductions, the relevant deposit scheme may provide a dispute-resolution process.