If you’re a tenant or renter in England and your landlord took a tenancy deposit, you must know about the “prescribed information” that explains where the money is held and how to get it back. This short guide explains, in plain language, what must be included, key deadlines, the official forms and routes you can use if something goes wrong, and what steps to take to protect your rights as a tenant. We explain how deposit protection schemes work, how to check whether your deposit is protected, and when to use alternative dispute resolution or make an application to the First-tier Tribunal.
What prescribed information means for tenants in England
When a tenancy creates an assured shorthold tenancy, landlords must protect the deposit in a government-approved tenancy deposit protection scheme and provide the prescribed information about where the deposit is held and how to get it back. This includes the scheme name, contact details, and how the tenant can apply to get the deposit back. If you do not receive this information, you have formal options to challenge that failure through the scheme or the courts or tribunal.[1]
What the prescribed information must include
The prescribed information for tenants must be clear and give all the details needed to trace and reclaim the deposit. At minimum it should state:
- Which authorised deposit protection scheme holds the money and the scheme’s contact details.
- How to apply for the deposit to be returned, including any forms or steps the scheme uses for disputes.
- The tenancy start date and the amount of deposit taken.
- Information about alternative dispute resolution offered by the scheme, and how to use it.
Important official forms and when to use them
Different problems use different official routes. The most relevant official pages and forms are listed and explained below with practical tenant-focused examples.
- N1 (County Court Money Claim) – use this if you want to begin a county court claim for money owed by a landlord, for example where the scheme is not dealing with a return and you need a court judgment to recover the deposit. See the official guidance on how to start a money claim on GOV.UK.[3]
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) application guidance – use this route when seeking an order about tenancy matters or where a tribunal decision is appropriate; many deposit disputes are decided by the First-tier Tribunal. Follow the official tribunal pages for how to apply and what evidence to provide.[2]
- Scheme dispute forms or online process – each authorised tenancy deposit scheme publishes its own dispute or ADR procedure; use that first, because the scheme’s ADR is usually free and can resolve deposits quickly. Look up the scheme details in your prescribed information and follow their official steps.[1]
How to gather evidence and next steps
Always keep copies of the tenancy agreement, the prescribed information you received (or evidence you did not receive it), receipts for the deposit, and written requests for repayment. If you plan to use a scheme’s ADR or apply to the tribunal, scan or photograph condition reports and any communication about deductions.
FAQ
- What is “prescribed information” and when must I get it?
- Prescribed information tells you which deposit protection scheme holds your money, how to contact the scheme, and how to apply for the deposit’s return. It must be provided to the tenant within the timescales set by the tenancy deposit rules, and a failure to provide it gives the tenant remedies.
- What if my landlord didn’t protect my deposit or give the information?
- If the deposit was not protected or the prescribed information was not given, you may apply to the First-tier Tribunal or use the scheme’s dispute procedure. The tribunal can order repayment and may award a monetary penalty against the landlord. See the First-tier Tribunal guidance for how to apply and what to expect.[2]
- Can I use the tenancy deposit scheme’s dispute service?
- Yes. Most authorised schemes offer a free alternative dispute resolution (ADR) service that decides on the split of the deposit between tenant and landlord; using ADR is often quicker and free to tenants. Check the scheme details in your prescribed information and follow their official dispute form or online process.[1]
- When should I consider court or tribunal action?
- If ADR does not resolve the dispute or the landlord refuses to comply with an order, you can issue a county court money claim (N1) or apply to the tribunal depending on the remedy sought. Keep evidence of communications and use official guidance when completing forms.[3]
How-To
- Check whether your deposit was protected and which scheme is named in the prescribed information; if you cannot find the details, ask your landlord in writing.
- If the deposit is protected and you want it back at tenancy end, request repayment in writing and keep a copy of that request as proof.
- If the landlord disagrees about deductions, use the authorised scheme’s free ADR or dispute process, following the scheme’s required forms and evidence rules.[1]
- If ADR fails, or if the landlord did not protect the deposit/give prescribed information, apply to the First-tier Tribunal or make a county court money claim using the official guidance and forms.[2][3]
Key Takeaways
- Landlords must protect deposits and give prescribed information; tenants should check this as soon as the tenancy starts.
- If you cannot resolve a deposit dispute informally, use the scheme’s ADR or apply to the First-tier Tribunal for a formal decision.
